Multi-Functional Air Purification and Disinfection Systems Based on Supported Ionic Liquids

Airborne particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and odors of small molecules are major indoor air pollutants. Conventional air purification systems based on filtration and adsorption can effectively capture inorganic particulate matter and remove VOCs. However, it is far from effective for small odorous molecules. And microorganisms in airborne particles, captured by air filtration media, remain viable for days and weeks, and further grow to colonize the media, thus decreasing air filtration efficiency and posing the risk of secondary pollution. Attempts have been made to combine adsorption filter for VOC removal, HEPA filter for capturing particulate matter, catalytic filter for the conversion of VOCs and odors, and conventional disinfection technologies (e.g., photocatalysis, plasma, silver nanoparticles), but they significantly complicate system design and increase air flow resistance. It is an urgent demand to develop new air purification and disinfection technology. This work uses supported ionic liquids on air filtration media as a package solution to complex air pollutants. The air purification and disinfection systems based on supported ionic liquids can directly inactivate airborne microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses) and absorb molecular pollutants (e.g., VOCs and odors). The systems also exhibited remarkably enhanced filtration efficiencies for inorganic particulate matter without increased air flow resistance. Moreover, the supported ionic liquids were stable and highly safe being free of degradation and leakage during accelerated ageing process.