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

导致新冠肺炎疾病的SARS-CoV-2病毒主要通过徘徊在封闭空间中的呼吸道飞沫传播，暖通空调系统通常会加剧这种传播。尽管改进SARS-CoV-2暖通空调处理的研究正在取得进展，但目前安装的暖通空调系统会造成问题，因为它们会使空气循环，而且还会使用无效的病毒过滤器。这个项目将开发一种新的方法来消除封闭空间中的SARS-CoV-2和未来的病毒，使用光催化氧化(PCO)技术，以前使用的是通过紫外线(UV)照射二氧化钛(Ti02)表面来去除空气中的有机污染物和化合物，导致有机化合物通过与氧(O)和羟基自由基(OH)的反应而分解。O和OH反应也可以摧毁病毒。该项目将利用先前研发的已建立的结果，开发一种新型的TiO2涂层铜纤维拖把系统，该系统既可用作风扇，又可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光的频率、强度和通过在金属中掺杂TiO2光催化氧化的改进，然后是体外研究对SARS-CoV-2和其他地方性冠状病毒的影响。旋转纤维风扇，在高强度紫外线的照射下，允许在一个高效、近乎静音的系统中消除病毒，适用于小型或大型应用。工程将包括优化两个演示：一个低调的墙壁单元和独立的地板单元。这些低成本、高效率的系统将向业界展示，以便在建筑物和公共交通系统中迅速采用。

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.