scientists Unveil ‘PRO Filter‘โข Inspired by Human Nose for Highly Efficient Air Purification
Researchersโ have developed a novel, reusable air filter that dramatically improves upon existing technology by mimicking โคthe natural air-cleaning mechanisms of the human nose. The new filter, detailed โin a โrecent Nature publication, utilizes aโค unique oil-coated polymer brush structure to capture airborne particles with exceptionalโ efficiency and longevity.
Unlike customary filters that โคrely on dense fiber networks prone to clogging, the PRO filter employs capillary forces and a carefully balanced oil-polymer interaction to trap pollutantsโค without โnotable pressure drop or performance degradation. This breakthrough promises cleaner air in โa variety of โsettings – from schools โคand hospitals toโฃ industrial facilities -โฃ and represents a significant step toward more โsustainable air purification solutions.
The key toโ the filter’s success lies in its design. A thin coating of oil spread evenly across polymer brushes creates a sticky surface that captures particles. The thinness of theโข coating prevents clogging, while the strength โขof capillary forces ensuresโ particles remain trapped even in turbulent airflow. This combination of simplicity and effectiveness allows for a filter that is both highly efficient and easily reusable.
Researchers envision future iterations of the PRO โขfilter โฃwith tailoredโข oil coatings for specific environments and systems capable of automatically refreshing the oil or adjusting to changing air โconditions. The findings are available online in the journal Nature.