Application of VOC catalyst in indoor air purification

In the field of indoor air purification, VOC (volatile organic compound) catalyst has become a key technical means to improve indoor air quality by virtue of its characteristics of converting VOC into harmless substances. The following are introduced from the aspects of its application scenario, working principle, advantages and limitations:
1. Application Scenarios
1. Newly renovated houses: newly renovated building materials, furniture, coatings, etc. continue to release formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and other VOCs. The VOC catalyst can be placed in the air purifier or a new fan to continuously purify the VOC in the air and protect the health of residents.
2. Office: Office space is densely populated, and office furniture, carpets, printers, etc., release VOC. Installation of purification equipment containing VOC catalyst can improve the office environment and improve the work efficiency of employees.
3. School classrooms: desks and chairs, decoration materials and student stationery in the classroom may release VOC. The use of air purification equipment containing VOC catalysts can provide a healthy teaching environment for students and teachers.
4. Commercial places: shopping malls, hotels, theaters and other places, due to large personnel flow, relatively closed space, and complex decoration materials, easy to accumulate VOC. VOC catalysts can be used in centralized ventilation systems or independent air purification equipment to purify the air.
Second, the working principle
1. Adsorption process: The VOC catalyst has a high specific surface area and special pore structure, which can adsorb VOC molecules in the air to its surface, so that VOC is enriched on the surface of the catalyst, and improve the reaction probability.
2. Catalytic reaction: Under the action of the active site of the catalyst, the adsorbed VOC molecules undergo oxidation reactions with oxygen in the air, and decompose into harmless substances such as carbon dioxide and water at a lower temperature. For example, formaldehyde (HCHO) reacts with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst to form carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O).
Iii. Advantages
1. Efficient purification: It has high removal efficiency for various VOCs, and can effectively purify at low concentrations, so that indoor air quality can meet the standard.
2.Decomposition thoroughly: decomposition of VOC into harmless carbon dioxide and water, no secondary pollution, different from only adsorption of VOC activated carbon and other materials.
3. Low energy consumption: Catalytic reaction is carried out at room temperature or low temperature, compared with high temperature incineration and other purification methods, low energy consumption and good energy saving effect.
4. Long-term stability: long service life, stable performance, regular maintenance and replacement can continue to play a purifying role.
Iv. Limitations
1. Susceptible to poisoning: the activity of the catalyst will be inhibited by sulfur, phosphorus, halogen and other compounds, resulting in poisoning inactivation. It is necessary to pre-treat the air or select anti-poisoning catalyst.
2. Limited scope of application: The purification effect of VOC exhaust gas with high concentration and high humidity may be poor. In a high humidity environment, water vapor may compete with VOC for adsorption sites, reducing purification efficiency.
3. High cost: High cost of high-performance VOC catalyst, resulting in the air purification equipment containing the catalyst is expensive, increasing the cost of use.