The primary component of our air purification technology is a broad spectrum and high intensity ultraviolet lamp, with UVC (254 nm) germicidal wavelengths. In addition to this, a set of broader spectrum ultraviolet waves (185 nm) for the activation of the catalyst. Although UV light alone can already contribute to degrading toxic organic compounds, reaction rates are much faster with the aid of "photocatalytic" technology.
What is a catalyst for?
A catalyst is a special component which is able to accelerate a chemical reaction without being affected or subjected to variations. The catalyst material we have chosen for our photocatalytic air purifiers is titanium dioxide, TiO2 which is applied in the form of a thin film on an aluminum or ceramic substrate.
Titanium dioxide is also a semiconductor, which is very important, because when a semiconductor is bombarded with light at certain wavelengths, the electrons in its valence band are excited and brought to conduction band. This means that they are free to move, until their energy ends, breaking down the water molecules in the air into two parts: the hydroxyl radicals and the superoxide ions.
Free radicals are atoms or unloaded molecules, with unpaired electrons and unpaired electrons themselves are highly reactive, so free radicals quickly engage in chemical reactions.
Hydroxyl radicals are among the most powerful oxidants in the world, stronger than chlorine, ozone and peroxide.
Superoxide is created by adding an electron to the oxygen present in the free radicals. This free radical has a relatively long half-life and this makes it a powerful germicide, capable of easily destroying the DNA of bacteria, viruses and volatile organic compounds, which have molecules held together by carbon-carbon, carbon-oxygen or carbon-hydrogen bonds.
This is why one of our photocatalytic purifiers can remove 0.001 micron particles from the air, including the tiny penetrating particles of the lung.
To compare with the "competitors", we can say that most "traditional" ionizers and ozonizers are not able to remove particles smaller than 0.3 micron.
Thanks to these important and unique photocatalyst technologies, the AIRsteril air purifiers, of which LL. Little and Large Solutions is exclusive distributor for Italy, are able to eliminate toxic polluting substances called "VOC" (volatile organic compounds) including formaldehyde, exhaust gas, benzene, toluene and odors such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide from the air we breathe in any environment. Even gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide, untouched by any other technology, can be reduced or destroyed by our products.
Last but not least, pollen, allergens, dust mites, pet hair, molds, bacteria and viruses, are on the list of pathogens that we are able to kill.