Scientists from Yonsei University in South Korea have invented a lampshade that cleans the air from pollutants.
The lampshade is coated with a thermocatalyst that, when heated by halogen or incandescent lamps, converts acetaldehyde and formaldehyde into harmless compounds, reports Tech Xplore.
Doctor of philosophy Hyung-Il Kim explained that such lampshades are able to purify the air from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are the main indoor pollutants. They are released by paints, cleaners, air fresheners, plastic, furniture, etc.
"Although the concentration of VOCs in a home or office is low, people spend more than 90% of their time indoors, so their exposure increases over time," Kim said.
The article said that traditional air purifiers require a separate heater or sources of ultraviolet (UV) light . And the invention uses waste heat from lamps. After all, halogen lamps convert only 10% of energy into light, and 90% into heat. In addition, incandescent lamps emit 5% light and 95% heat.
The scientists said that the thermal catalyst consists of titanium dioxide and a small amount of platinum. It splits acetaldehyde into acetic acid , then on formic acid , and then to carbon dioxide and water. They are also experimenting with catalysts based on iron or copper and plan to extend the technology to LED lamps.
As EcoPolitics previously reported, students of the Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute have developed a unique filter for water, which is capable of purifying it from chemicals, viruses and bacteria.
