Design and construction of a mop fan-based photocatalytic air purification device

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the disease Covid-19, is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets which linger in enclosed spaces, often exacerbated by HVAC systems. Although research to improve HVAC handling of SARS-CoV-2 is progressing, currently installed HVAC systems cause problems because they recirculate air and use ineffective virus filters. This article details the process of developing a novel method of eliminating air pollutants and suspended pathogens in enclosed spaces using Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) technology, previously employed to remove organic contaminants and compounds from air streams using the irradiation of titanium dioxide (TiO2) surfaces with ultraviolet (UV-C) lights causing the disintegration of organic compounds by reactions with oxygen (O) and hydroxyl radicals (OH). The O and OH reactions can also destroy viruses. The result was a functional prototype that demonstrated the operation of PCO-based air purification principle. This prototype mainly comprised a novel TiO2 coated fibre mop system, which could provide the essential very large surface area for UV irradiation. Each component of the prototype is described in depth, along with the criteria by which they were selected and, in some cases, fabricated. A test was conducted that proved the prototype's functionality and its efficiency in lowering VOCs and HCHO. During the next stage of this research, the prototype will be used to conduct more experiments in laboratory and in real-world conditions. The mop, illuminated by a high intensity UV, allowed viruses to be eliminated in an efficient, nearly silent system, adaptable for small or larger applications.