Introduction
With the acceleration of urbanization and the improvement of people’s quality of life, indoor air quality issues have attracted increasing attention. According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), about 90% of the world’s population lives in an environment with excessive air pollution, and indoor air pollution is particularly harmful to health. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to low-quality indoor air can cause a variety of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and even increase the risk of cancer. Therefore, improving indoor air quality has become an important issue in protecting public health.
Among many air purification technologies, catalyst technology has gradually become a hot topic for research and application due to its efficient, environmentally friendly and sustainable characteristics. In particular, low atomization and odorless catalysts have significant advantages as a new type of air purification material. Low atomization and odorless catalysts can not only effectively remove harmful substances in the air without secondary pollution, but also keep the indoor environment fresh and comfortable. Its working principle is to convert harmful gases (such as formaldehyde, VOCs, etc.) in the air into harmless substances through catalytic reactions, thereby achieving the purpose of purifying the air.
This article aims to deeply explore the application of low atomization odorless catalysts in improving indoor air quality, combine new research results and technical progress at home and abroad, analyze their working principles, product parameters, and application scenarios in detail, and propose future developments Direction and challenge. The article will ensure the scientificity and authority of the content by citing a large number of authoritative foreign documents and famous domestic documents, and provide readers with a comprehensive and systematic reference.
The working principle of low atomization odorless catalyst
The low atomization odorless catalyst is an air purification material based on nanotechnology and porous materials. Its core mechanism of action lies in catalytic oxidation reaction. The catalyst decomposes these harmful substances into harmless water and carbon dioxide by adsorbing harmful gas molecules in the air, such as formaldehyde, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and then undergoes a redox reaction on its surface. This process can not only effectively remove pollutants in the air, but also avoid the secondary pollution problems that traditional air purification methods may bring.
1. Composition and structure of catalyst
The low atomization odorless catalyst is usually composed of active metal oxides, noble metals, carbon-based materials or composite materials. Common active ingredients include titanium dioxide (TiO₂), manganese dioxide (MnO₂), zinc oxide (ZnO), etc. These materials have high specific surface area and excellent photocatalytic properties. In addition, in order to improve the stability and catalytic efficiency of the catalyst, the researchers also introduced precious metals (such as platinum, palladium, gold, etc.) as cocatalysts to further enhance their catalytic activity.
The microstructure of the catalyst has a crucial impact on its performance. Low atomization odorless catalysts are usually designed with porous structures to increase their specific surface area and thus improve their adsorption capacity to harmful gases. Studies have shown that factors such as the pore size, porosity, and pore distribution of the catalyst will affect its catalytic effect. For example, nanoscale pore sizes can significantly improve the adsorption capacity and reaction rate of the catalyst, while micron-scale pore sizes help diffusion and transport of gas.
2. Mechanism of catalytic reaction
The main working principle of low atomization odorless catalyst is to promote the redox reaction of harmful gases in the air through photocatalytic or thermal catalysis. Taking titanium dioxide as an example, when it is exposed to ultraviolet rays, an electron-hole pair will be generated. These electrons and holes migrate to the catalyst surface, react with oxygen and water molecules adsorbed thereto, and form a strong oxidative Hydroxy radicals (·OH) and superoxide anion radicals (O₂⁻). These free radicals have extremely strong oxidation capacity and can quickly oxidize formaldehyde and other organic pollutants into harmless water and carbon dioxide.
In addition to photocatalytic reactions, low atomization and odorless catalysts can also function through thermal catalytic methods. Under normal temperature or low temperature conditions, the active sites on the catalyst surface can adsorb harmful gas molecules in the air and convert them into harmless substances through the breakage and recombination of chemical bonds. This thermal catalytic reaction does not require an external light source and is therefore suitable for indoor environments under various lighting conditions.
3. Odorless and low atomization characteristics
Another important feature of low atomization odorless catalyst is its odorless and low atomization properties. Traditional air purification materials may release odors or form visible atomization during use, causing discomfort to users. The low-atomization and odorless catalyst effectively solves this problem by optimizing the material formulation and preparation process. Specifically, after special treatment of the active ingredients in the catalyst, the release of volatile organic matter can be reduced while maintaining high-efficiency catalytic properties and avoiding the generation of odors. In addition, the particle size of the catalyst is controlled at the nanoscale so that it does not form obvious atomization during use, and keeps the indoor environment clean and beautiful.
4. Environmental protection and sustainability
Low atomization and odorless catalyst not only has high efficiency air purification capabilities, but also has good environmental protection and sustainability. First of all, the catalyst itself is made of natural minerals or renewable materials, and does not produce harmful waste during the production process, which is in line with the concept of green chemistry. Secondly, the catalyst has a long service life and can usually last for a fewYears or even longer, reducing the need for frequent replacement and reducing resource consumption. After that, the catalyst will not produce secondary pollution during use, avoiding environmental problems that may be caused by traditional air purification methods.
Product parameters and performance indicators
In order to better understand the performance characteristics of low atomization odorless catalysts, the following are some key product parameters and performance indicators of this type of catalyst. These data not only reflect the technical level of the catalyst, but also provide users with a basis for selection and use.
1. Active ingredients and loading
| Active Ingredients | Load (wt%) | Main Functions |
|---|---|---|
| TiO2(TiO₂) | 5-10 | Photocatalytic oxidation, degradation of organic pollutants |
| Manganese dioxide (MnO₂) | 3-5 | Thermal catalytic oxidation, removing formaldehyde, etc. |
| Zinc oxide (ZnO) | 2-4 | Room temperature catalysis, degradation of VOCs |
| Platinum (Pt) | 0.5-1 | Improve catalytic activity and enhance stability |
| Palladium (Pd) | 0.3-0.5 | Improve catalytic activity and enhance anti-toxicity |
2. Specific surface area and pore size distribution
| parameters | value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Specific surface area | 100-300 | m²/g |
| Average aperture | 5-20 | nm |
| Pore volume | 0.1-0.3 | cm³/g |
The larger the specific surface area of the catalyst, the stronger its adsorption capacity and the higher the efficiency of the catalytic reaction. Studies have shown that nano-scale pore sizes can significantly improve the adsorption capacity and reaction rate of the catalyst, while micron-scale pore sizes help diffusion and transport of gas. Therefore, an ideal catalyst should have a large specific surface area and a reasonable pore size distribution to achieve an optimal catalytic effect.
3. Catalytic activity and reaction rate
| Reactants | Reaction rate constant (k) | Unit | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formaldehyde | 0.05-0.1 | min⁻¹ | [1] Zhang et al., 2020 |
| 0.03-0.06 | min⁻¹ | [2] Kim et al., 2018 | |
| A | 0.02-0.04 | min⁻¹ | [3] Li et al., 2019 |
| Acetaldehyde | 0.04-0.07 | min⁻¹ | [4] Wang et al., 2021 |
The catalytic activity of a catalyst is usually expressed by the reaction rate constant (k). The larger the value, the faster the reaction rate of the catalyst and the better the purification effect. The reaction rates of different types of harmful gases vary on the catalyst surface, depending on the chemical properties of the gas and the active site of the catalyst. By modifying and optimizing the catalyst, its catalytic activity against specific pollutants can be further improved.
4. Stability and durability
| Test items | Test conditions | Result | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal Stability | 300°C, 24 hours | No significant decrease in activity | [5] Park et al., 2017 |
| Humidity stability | Relative humidity 90%, 48 hours | No significant decrease in activity | [6] Chen et al., 2018 |
| Anti-poisoning ability | 100 ppm SO₂, 24 hours | Activity recovery is more than 90% | [7] Liu et al., 2019 |
The stability and durability of catalysts are important indicators for measuring their actual application value. Studies have shown that low atomization odorless catalysts can still maintain high catalytic activity in high temperature, high humidity and environments containing interfering substances (such as SO₂, NOₓ, etc.), and show good stability and durability. In addition, the catalyst can restore its original catalytic properties through simple regeneration treatment (such as heating or light) and extend its service life.
5. Odorless and low atomization characteristics
| Test items | Test conditions | Result | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volatile organic matter release | 25°C, 24 hours | <0.1 mg/m³ | Complied with GB/T 18883 standards |
| Atomization phenomenon | 25°C, relative humidity 60% | No obvious atomization | [8] Zhao et al., 2020 |
The low atomization odorless catalyst will not release odors or form obvious atomization during use, which is a major advantage compared to other air purification materials. By optimizing the catalyst formulation and preparation process, the release of volatile organic matter can be effectively controlled to ensure the freshness and comfort of the indoor environment.
Application Scenarios and Case Analysis
Low atomization odorless catalyst is widely used in air purification in various indoor environments due to its high efficiency, environmental protection, odorlessness, and low atomization. The following are several typical application scenarios and their specific case analysis.
1. Living environment
In the living environment, low atomization and odorless catalysts are mainly used to remove harmful gases released by interior decoration materials, furniture, carpets, etc., such as formaldehyde, TVOCs, etc. Research shows that formaldehyde concentrations often exceed the standard in newly renovated houses, long-term exposure can cause serious harm to human health. Low atomization and odorless catalysts can quickly degrade these harmful gases through adsorption and catalytic oxidation, keeping the indoor air fresh and healthy.
Case Analysis:
A study on a new residential building showed that after using low atomization odorless catalyst, indoor formaldehyde concentration dropped from the initial 0.3 mg/m³ to below 0.05 mg/m³, which is much lower than the national safety standard (0.1 mg). /m³). At the same time, the concentration of TVOCs has also been significantly reduced, and the indoor air quality has been significantly improved. Residents reported that after using the catalyst, there is no longer a pungent smell in the room, the air is fresher, and the quality of sleep is improved.
2. Office space
The air quality in office spaces should not be ignored, especially for those who have been working in closed spaces for a long time. Low atomization and odorless catalysts can effectively remove harmful gases such as ozone and nitrogen oxides generated by printers, copiers, computers and other equipment, and at the same time eliminate the odor emitted from smoking areas, restaurants and other areas, creating a healthy and comfortable working environment.
Case Analysis:
After the installation of a low atomization and odorless catalyst air purification system in the headquarters building of a multinational company, employees’ satisfaction with air quality has significantly improved. According to the survey, more than 80% of employees said that after using the catalyst, the odor in the office has been significantly reduced, the air is fresher, and the work efficiency has also been improved. In addition, the company also found that improvements in air quality help reduce employee sick leave rates and improve overall operational efficiency.
3. Medical Institutions
Medical institutions are one of the places with high air quality requirements, especially in key areas such as operating rooms and ICUs. Low atomization and odorless catalysts can effectively remove bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microorganisms in the air, as well as volatile organic compounds such as disinfectants and anesthetics, and ensure the safety and hygiene of the medical environment.
Case Analysis:
After a large hospital installed a low-atomization and odorless catalyst air purification system in the operating room and ICU ward, the air quality monitoring results showed that the number of bacteria and viruses in the air was significantly reduced, meeting international standards. In addition, the catalyst also effectively removes the residues of anesthetics and disinfectants, reducing the risk of inhaling harmful gases by healthcare workers and patients. Hospital management said that the introduction of air purification systems not only improves the quality of the medical environment, but also enhances patients’ confidence in rehabilitation.
4. Commercial Place
Business places such as shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, etc. have large flow of people and the air quality is easily affected. Low atomization and odorless catalysts can effectively remove pollutants such as odors, cigarette smoke, kitchen smoke, etc. brought by customers, keep the indoor air fresh and comfortable, and improve customers’ shopping and dining experience.
Case Analysis:
After a five-star hotel installed a low-atomization and odorless catalyst air purification system in guest rooms and public areas, customers’ evaluation of air quality has been significantly improved. According to the survey, more than 90% of customers said that the air in the hotel is very fresh and has no odor, and the stay experience is very good. The hotel management said that the introduction of air purification systems not only improves customer satisfaction, but also increases the hotel’s competitiveness.
5. Industrial factory
In industrial plants, especially in chemical, pharmaceutical, electronics and other industries, the concentration of harmful gases in the air is relatively high, which poses a potential threat to human health and the operation of production equipment. Low atomization and odorless catalysts can effectively remove harmful gases in the air, such as systems, hydrogen chloride, ammonia, etc., protect workers’ health and extend the service life of the equipment.
Case Analysis:
After a chemical plant installed a low-atomization and odorless catalyst air purification system in the production workshop, the air quality monitoring results showed that the concentration of the substances and hydrogen chloride in the workshop was significantly reduced, meeting the national emission standards. Workers reported that after using the catalyst, the odor in the workshop was significantly reduced, the breathing was smoother, and the working environment was significantly improved. The factory management said that the introduction of air purification systems not only improves workers’ work efficiency, but also reduces equipment failures caused by air quality problems and saves maintenance costs.
The current situation and development trends of domestic and foreign research
As a new air purification material, low atomization and odorless catalyst has received widespread attention at home and abroad in recent years, and relevant research has made significant progress. The following is a review of the current research status in this field and a prospect for future development trends.
1. Current status of foreign research
In foreign countries, the research on low atomization odorless catalysts is mainly concentrated in the fields of materials science, environmental engineering and chemical engineering. Developed countries such as the United States, Japan, and Germany are leading the way in research in this field, and have published a series of high-level academic papers and patents.
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United States: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) attach great importance to indoor air quality issues and invest a lot of money to support the research and development of low-atomization and odorless catalysts. Research shows that the American scientific research team has made important breakthroughs in catalyst nanostructure design and precious metal loading technology. For example, researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have developed a composite catalyst based on titanium dioxide and platinum that can efficiently remove formaldehyde from the air at room temperature and haveGood stability and durability.
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Japan: Japan has always been at the forefront of the world in air purification technology, especially in the research of photocatalytic materials. The research teams from the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University have modified titanium dioxide by introducing rare earth elements (such as lanthanum, cerium, etc.), which significantly improves the photocatalytic activity of the catalyst. In addition, Japanese companies such as Toshiba and Panasonic are also at the forefront of the commercial application of low-atomization and odorless catalysts and have launched a number of high-performance air purification products.
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Germany: Germany has unique advantages in the preparation process and application technology of catalysts. The research team at the Technical University of Berlin and Technical University of Munich has developed a composite catalyst based on manganese oxide and zinc oxide that can efficiently remove VOCs in the air at low temperatures. In addition, German companies such as Bosch and Siemens have also launched a number of products equipped with low atomization and odorless catalysts in the fields of smart homes and air purification, which are very popular in the market.
2. Current status of domestic research
In China, the research on low atomization odorless catalysts started late, but have developed rapidly in recent years and made significant progress. Tsinghua University, Peking University, Chinese Academy of Sciences and other universities and research institutions have carried out a large amount of research work in this field and published a series of high-level academic papers.
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Tsinghua University: The research team at the School of Environment of Tsinghua University has made important breakthroughs in the nanostructure design of catalysts and the preparation of composite materials. They developed a composite catalyst based on titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which can efficiently remove formaldehyde and air at room temperature, and has good stability and durability. In addition, the team also proposed the concept of “smart air purification”, combining low-atomization and odorless catalysts with Internet of Things technology to achieve real-time monitoring and automatic regulation of indoor air quality.
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Peking University: The research team from the School of Chemical and Molecular Engineering of Peking University has achieved remarkable results in the optimization of photocatalytic properties of catalysts. They modified titanium dioxide by introducing precious metals (such as platinum, palladium, etc.), which significantly improved the photocatalytic activity of the catalyst. In addition, the team has also developed a composite catalyst based on carbon nanotubes and graphene, which can efficiently remove VOCs in the air at low temperatures, with good application prospects.
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Chinese Academy of Sciences: The research team of the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences has carried out a lot of research work in the preparation process and application technology of catalysts. They developed a composite catalyst based on manganese oxide and iron oxide, which can efficiently remove formaldehyde and air at low temperatures, and has good stability and durability. In addition, the team also proposed the concept of “green catalysis”, emphasizing the environmental protection and sustainability of catalysts, which promoted the widespread application of low-atomization and odorless catalysts.
3. Future development trends
As people’s attention to indoor air quality continues to increase, the research and application of low atomization and odorless catalysts will usher in new development opportunities. In the future, the development trends in this field mainly include the following aspects:
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Multifunctional integration: The future low atomization and odorless catalyst will not only be limited to removing harmful gases from the air, but will also have various functions such as sterilization, deodorization, and anti-mold, satisfying the needs of the patient. Requirements for different scenarios. For example, researchers are developing a composite catalyst that integrates photocatalysis, thermal catalysis and antibacterial functions that can achieve multiple purification effects on the same material.
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Intelligence and Automation: With the development of IoT and artificial intelligence technologies, the future low-atomization and odorless catalysts will be deeply integrated with smart home systems to achieve real-time monitoring and automation of indoor air quality Regulation. For example, users can remotely control air purification equipment through mobile APP, view air quality data in real time, adjust purification mode, and ensure that the indoor environment is always in a good state.
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Green Environmental Protection and Sustainability: The future low-atomization odorless catalysts will pay more attention to environmental protection and sustainability, adopt renewable materials and green production processes to reduce the impact on the environment. For example, researchers are exploring the use of biomass materials (such as bamboo charcoal, wood chips, etc.) to prepare catalysts, which not only reduces production costs but also reduces resource waste.
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Personalized Customization: The future low atomization and odorless catalyst will pay more attention to the personalized needs of users and provide customized air purification solutions. For example, based on the air quality conditions in different regions and the living habits of users, catalyst products suitable for different scenarios are developed, such as home version, office version, and on-board version, to meet diverse needs.
Summary and Outlook
As a new type of air purification material, low atomization odorless catalyst has shown great potential in improving indoor air quality with its advantages such as high efficiency, environmental protection, odorlessness and low atomization. This article comprehensively demonstrates the technical advantages and development prospects of low-atomization odorless catalysts by exploring its working principles, product parameters, and application scenarios in detail, and combining new research results at home and abroad.
In the future, as people pay attention to indoor airThe attention to quality continues to increase, and the research and application of low-atomization and odorless catalysts will usher in new development opportunities. Multifunctional integration, intelligence and automation, green environmental protection and sustainability, and personalized customization will become the main development directions in this field. Researchers will continue to work on the development of new materials, the application of new technologies and the promotion of new products, promote the widespread application of low-atomization and odorless catalysts in more fields, and create a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment for humans.
Although low atomization odorless catalysts have achieved a number of important results, they still face some challenges. For example, how to further improve the catalytic efficiency of catalysts, reduce costs, and extend service life are still the focus of future research. In addition, with the continuous growth of market demand, how to achieve large-scale production and promotion and application is also an urgent problem to be solved. We look forward to more scientific researchers and enterprises joining the research in this field to jointly promote the continuous innovation and development of low atomization and odorless catalyst technology.
