초록 ▼

A method for disinfecting an air stream containing microorganisms including the steps of providing an air stream containing microorganisms having a relative humidity greater than about 40%; and contacting the air stream with a photocatalyst having a predetermined band gap energy in the presence of a

A method for disinfecting an air stream containing microorganisms including the steps of providing an air stream containing microorganisms having a relative humidity greater than about 40%; and contacting the air stream with a photocatalyst having a predetermined band gap energy in the presence of a source of photons having a wavelength corresponding to the band gap energy of the photocatalyst, so that at least a portion of the microorganisms in the air stream are destroyed by photocatalyfic oxidation. Devices embodying the method of the invention are disclosed, such as stand-alone devices and devices incorporated into the HVAC systems of buildings, including the air supply registers. Photocatalyst-coated filter media capable of trapping bioaerosols are also disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for disinfecting an air stream containing microorganisms, comprising:providing an air stream containing microorganisms having a relative humidity greater than about 40%; andcontacting said air stream with a photocatalyst having a predetermined band gap energy in

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for disinfecting an air stream containing microorganisms, comprising:providing an air stream containing microorganisms having a relative humidity greater than about 40%; andcontacting said air stream with a photocatalyst having a predetermined band gap energy in the presence of a source of photons having a wavelength corresponding to said band gap energy of said photocatalyst, so that at least a portion of said microorganisms in said air stream are destroyed by photocatalytic oxidation. [14.] A device for disinfecting a quantity of air containing microorganisms, comprising:a surface coated with a photocatalyst having a predetermined band gap energy;means for illuminating said photocatalyst-coated surface with a source of photons having a wavelength corresponding to said band gap energy of said photocatalyst;means for contacting said air with said photocatalyst-coated surface; andmeans for maintaining the relative humidity of said air above about 40%, so that at least a portion of said microorganisms in said air are destroyed by photocatalytic oxidation upon contact with said photocatalyst when said photocatalyst-coated surface is illuminated with said source of photons. The device of claim 14, further comprising means for controlling the flow rate of said air, so that the residence time of said air with said photocatalyst is effective for complete destruction of said microorganisms in said air. The device of claim 14, wherein said photocatalyst is a semiconductor. The device of claim 16, wherein said semiconductor is TiO.sub.2. The device of claim 14, wherein said photocatalyst-coated surface comprises an open filter medium coated with said photocatalyst and disposed transverse to the flow of said air. The device of claim 18, wherein said filter medium is capable of trapping bioaerosols.