"Low cost air quality device for virus removal from indoor air environment and public transport (EP/V049100/1)"

引起Covid-19疾病的SARS-CoV-2病毒主要通过呼吸道飞沫传播，飞沫在封闭空间中徘徊，通常会因HVAC系统而加剧。虽然改善HVAC处理SARS-CoV-2的研究正在进行中，但目前安装的HVAC系统会造成问题，因为它们使空气再循环，并且还使用无效的病毒过滤器。该项目将开发一种利用光催化氧化（PCO）技术在封闭空间中消除SARS-CoV-2和未来病毒的新方法，该技术以前用于通过用紫外线（UV）照射二氧化钛（TiO 2）表面来去除空气流中的有机污染物和化合物，从而通过与氧（O）和羟基自由基（OH）反应来分解有机化合物。O和OH反应也可以破坏病毒。利用之前的研发成果，该项目将开发一种新型的TiO 2涂层铜纤维拖把系统，该系统既可以作为风扇，又可以为紫外线照射提供必要的非常大的表面积。研究将包括优化紫外线的频率、强度，以及通过在TiO 2中掺杂金属来改善光催化氧化，然后进行体外研究，调查对SARS-CoV-2和其他地方性冠状病毒的影响。旋转的纤维风扇，由高强度的紫外线照射，可以在一个高效的，几乎无声的系统中消除病毒，适用于小型或大型应用。工程将包括两个示范的优化：低轮廓墙单元和独立的地板单元。这些低成本、高效率的系统将向工业界展示，以便迅速应用于建筑物和公共交通系统。

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 also use ineffective virus filters. This project will develop a novel method of eliminating SARS-CoV-2 and future viruses 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) 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.Using the established results from previous R&D, the project will develop a novel TiO2 coated copper fibre mop system, which will both act as a fan and provide the essential very large surface area for UV irradiation. Research will include optimizing UV frequencies, intensity, and improvement on photocatalytic oxidation by doping of TiO2 with metals, followed by in vitro studies investigating the effects on SARS-CoV-2, and other endemic coronaviruses. The rotating fibre fan, illuminated by a high intensity UV, allows viruses to be eliminated in an efficient, nearly silent system, adaptable for small or larger applications.Engineering will include optimization of two demonstrators: a low-profile wall unit and free- standing floor unit. These low cost, efficient systems will be demonstrated to industry to allow rapid adoption for buildings and public transport systems.