Nanoporous Photocatalytic Filter

Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a novel Nanoporous Photocatalytic Filter (NPF) that will meet the need for advanced air filtration technology that both captures and neutralizes chemical and biological agents with high efficiency and low resistance to airflow. NPF is based on a new filtering medium, which serves as a matrix for inducing cold glow plasma discharge and photocatalytic reactions. The proposed NPF has higher capture efficiency (99.99%), longer lifetime (potentially unlimited), and lower pressure drop (0.1 in. wg) than state-of-the-art HEPA filters. NPF offers self-cleaning and self-regeneration capabilities—reactivation of the porous microsphere surface—making it cost-effective and maintenance-free. POC has designed and fabricated the Phase I NPF prototype, which successfully demonstrated a collection efficiency of 99.97% for 1-10 micron particles; a destruction efficiency against soman simulant triethyl phosphate of >99%; and killing efficacy against anthrax simulant GS spores of 100% in 11 minutes. A preproduction prototype will be produced in Phase II for testing with live agents at government-selected facilities. We will transition the NPF technology to military and commercial markets as part of Phase III commercialization efforts. POC plans a large system for building protection and a portable device as individual protective equipment.