The research team from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore developed the first indoor air purifier powered by LED lighting, which can eliminate up to 95% of harmful gases in the office or home within four hours, thereby improving the air quality inside buildings.
All indoor harmful gases are called in the joint name of "volatile organic chemicals", generally come out from the wall paint, new furniture, construction materials or carpet, and the content of harmful gases in new building or newly renovated building is particularly high, long-term exposure may be hazardous to health, such as irritating eyes, nose and throat, and even causing headaches, nausea and discomfort. Currently the removal of suspended particulate is mainly through particulate air filter, but it cannot "catch" harmful gases; there are two ways to against harmful gases, one is to use activated carbon, the other is to use ultraviolet air purifier.
But the two methods have drawbacks, activated carbon only absorbs harmful gases rather than decomposing, if no regular replacement, it will become another source of pollution; while ultraviolet air purifier is expensive and high power consumption, in addition, ultraviolet rays are harmful to the skin. Compared with ultraviolet light, LED lighting has many advantages. It does not damage the skin, and its power consumption is only about one sixth of UV, what's more, it is much cheaper than ultraviolet air purifier.
This research project receives research grant from Ministry of National Development, now it is looking for partner who can commercialize this new indoor air purifier.
