Molekule doesn't just capture airborne pollutants, it eradicates them

[Shawn Knight]

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claims that indoor air contains 2-5 times (and occasionally, more than 100 times) more pollutants than outdoor air yet many of us live in homes without any type of filtration system. Most air purifiers utilize a HEPA-style filter but a company by the name of Molekule is taking a markedly different approach with its new product.

The startup’s air purification system, also called Molekule, is described as the world’s first molecular air purifier. Rather than rely on a HEPA filter (technology that was developed in the 1940s), air taken in by Molekule passes through a pre-filter designed to capture larger allergens like pollen, dust and dander.

From there, it uses a nanoparticle-coated filter activated by light that creates a catalytic reaction and breaks down the harmful pollutants into their most basic - and harmless - molecular structure which are then dispersed back into the environment. The process is dubbed Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO) which itself isn’t a new technology – this is just the first commercial application.

Molekule says PECO is able to destroy pollutants 1,000 times smaller than what HEPA filters can capture (0.1 nanometers versus 300 nanometers) and is said to be effective against allergens, bacteria, viruses, mold and VOCs.

The nano-filters will need to be replaced once a year while the pre-filters should be replaced every three months. That’ll no doubt get expensive in the long run as pre-filters sell for $12 each and the nano-filter commands $99, or just south of $150 a year if purchased individually (or $99 for a year supply). Filters are free for the first year, however.

Molekule is currently accepting pre-orders for its air purifier. You’ll pay $499 for the opportunity, a figure that’ll jump to $799 once the device launches next year. Those that need a bit more convincing are encouraged to check out the company’s white papers on the technology.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/64964-molekule-doesnt-capture-airborne-pollutants-eradicates-them.html

 

[Uncle Al]

Very interesting but certainly not new or unique; in fact there are existing filter packs that have been on the market for over 15 years that achieve this at a lesser cost. I have installed a few of them in commercial units that run about $2,000 per pack, but last upwards to 10 years and need no attention once installed. The trick is with ALL of these, they put extra work on the motors due to the negative pressures which cause the motors to work much harder = wearing out sooner.

This is yet another transfer of responsibility to the end user from the polluter. If our laws were strictly enforced and the polluters required to pay up front we would still end up with the same pay outs, but without the health impacts ..... so simple, yet so unreachable.

 

[VitalyT]

My main problem with products such as this one - it is impossible for a regular user to determine whether this thing actually does anything useful at all, which for the kind of high price makes it hard to swallow.

 

[Evernessince]

My main problem with products such as this one - it is impossible for a regular user to determine whether this thing actually does anything useful at all.

True, unless you have allergy or immune issues. People with allergy issues are really sensitive to any change in the air quality.

 

[fastvince]

My main problem with products such as this one - it is impossible for a regular user to determine whether this thing actually does anything useful at all, which for the kind of high price makes it hard to swallow.

this..it needs to have some kind of LCD display that shows..'number of pollutants destroyed in last 24 hours'...

 

[DAOWAce]

yet many of us live in homes without any type of filtration system

You’ll pay $499 for the opportunity, a figure that’ll jump to $799 once the device launches next year.

Hmm, wonder why..