Air filter mimics mucus-coated nasal hair

The bio-inspired strategy outperforms current filtration expertise, say researchers at Chung Ang College

Airborne particulate matter represents a silent however pervasive menace to our well being, infiltrating our properties, workplaces, and public areas alike. Air filters are sometimes our main protection towards these microscopic pollution, which embrace pollen, mud, and smoke.

Nonetheless, standard air filters undergo from a elementary weak point: they depend on extraordinarily weak adhesive forces (van der Waals interactions) to seize particles. These forces are sometimes inadequate to successfully entice and retain effective particles, resulting in poor filtration efficiency and the discharge of beforehand captured pollution. However what if the reply to those points was fairly actually proper below our noses?

In a current research revealed in Nature, a analysis workforce led by Affiliate Professor Sanghyuk Wooh from Chung-Ang College has developed an efficient bioinspired answer. Dubbed the particle-removing oil-coated (PRO) filter, the proposed air filtration system mimics the best way mucus-coated nasal hairs entice particles to realize exceptional efficiency.

The strategy focuses on making a steady, skinny liquid layer on filter media. They engineered filter fibres by grafting tiny polymer brushes onto their surfaces, then sprayed them with a non-volatile oil chemically much like the brushes. This chemical match helps the oil unfold evenly, forming a uniform movie that adheres tightly. In contrast to earlier liquid-coated filters, this design prevents pore clogging, so air flows freely, say the researchers.

Intensive experiments confirmed that the PRO filter dramatically improves particle seize. It achieved a ten–30% improve in filtration effectivity throughout varied particle sizes—from effective mud to giant pollen—with out considerably growing the stress required to push air by way of. That is as a result of sturdy capillary forces supplied by the skinny oil layer, which improve particle adhesion by orders of magnitudes.

The PRO filter additionally excels below robust situations. Whereas standard filters could lose effectivity or launch particles when airflow will increase or modifications path, the PRO filter holds particles tightly. This prevents air re-contamination and permits distinctive functions, together with fan-free air filtration in locations like out of doors smoking areas or subway tunnels by merely harnessing pure airflow. “That is the primary occasion of suppressed mud redispersion and a multidirectional filtration technique proposing a zero-energy filtration system that makes use of pure wind,” highlights Dr. Wooh.

Additionally it is washable and reusable. Its efficiency is well restored by reapplying the silicone oil. Its lengthy lifespan reduces plastic waste, making it a extra sustainable possibility.

Actual-world subject exams performed in HVAC methods with the assistance of WISE & YiRop confirmed all these benefits. “The PRO filters confirmed excellent performances in real-world HVAC methods in comparison with standard filters. Despite the fact that extra mud was captured by the PRO filter lifespan of the PRO filter was ~two instances longer than standard filter that successfully reduces plastic waste and HVAC operation value. As well as, it saves ~20 % vitality consumption proposing extra environmentally pleasant and costless air filtration system,” remarks Dr. Wooh.

General, the PRO filter represents a big leap ahead in our potential to wash the air we breathe, providing an environment friendly and environmentally pleasant answer to a ubiquitous drawback.