Samsung Introduces Ceramic Catalytic Air Filter Technology

Samsung Electronics (KRX: 005930)has introduced a new air filter technology that combines particulate matter (PM) collection and volatile organic compound (VOC) decomposition. It can last for 20 years with simple water washing.

Ceramic catalytic filter technology is expected to enable compact air purification systems that reduce disposable waste and costs associated with frequent filter changes.

Conventional air purification filters require frequent replacement. This limits the space efficiency of air purifiers.

Researchers at Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT) have addressed this problem by developing and implementing an unprecedented filter technology that uses photocatalysts such as copper oxide (Cu2O) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) for the first time and verifying their feasibility for commercialization.

The filter first traps the fine dust particles in the porous ceramic inlet wall, where the inorganic membrane is coated. It decomposes VOC gasses at the outlet photocatalyst under a single airflow.

It combines two filters for dust and gas and increases dust loading capacity four times over conventional filters, from five grams per liter to 20.

The filter can be used for 20 years, up to 40 times longer than a conventional HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, assuming ten regenerations by water washing.

The Cu2O/TiO2 photocatalyst of SAIT is insoluble.

Therefore, the filter-water scrubber can be regenerated while maintaining its original performance for removing fine dust and VOC.

For further evaluation, Samsung Electronics plans to prototype air conditioning systems for office buildings, bus terminals, and underground parking garages at its semiconductor sites.