Abstract: A fluid purification system can include a filter comprising photocatalytic material, a light source configured to illuminate the photocatalytic material, and a scattering film configured to scatter light emitted from the light source.

Abstract: A fluid filtration system that includes one or more contacting layers, can including a particle trapping layer, a sorbent layer, and/or a reactive layer, where each of the layers are connected to a frame. The reactive layer can include a barrier coating to resist self-degradation from the reactant itself. A method for fluid filtration can includes sorbing contaminants, trapping contaminants, and degrading contaminants.

Abstract: A filter media can include a fiber coated with a barrier coating that is substantially non-reactive to reactive species, and a photocatalytic coating disposed on the barrier coating, wherein the photocatalytic coating generates reactive species in response to illumination with optical radiation.

Abstract: A system for removing a coating from an underlying layer can include a wave-based weakening system configured to weaken the coating by decreasing a coupling force between the coating and the substrate, a coating removal mechanism configured to remove the weakened coating from the underlying layer, and a sensor configured to determine a property associated with the coating. A method for removing a coating from an underlying layer can include generating a weakened coating and removing the weakened coating.

Abstract: An air purification system including a filter assembly including a substrate including a fibrous media, and a photocatalytic material disposed on the substrate, wherein the photocatalytic material includes a first quantity of crushed nanostructures; and a photon source arranged to illuminate the photocatalytic material with optical radiation.

Abstract: A breathing system for removing harmful contaminants, such as microbes and volatile organic compounds, is provided. The breathing system includes a face mask, an inhalation limb, and a plasmonic device. As a contaminated gas flows through an internal chamber of the plasmonic device, the contaminates are oxidized. Specifically, the internal chamber includes a source of photons spaced apart from the nanostructure. The nanostructure is coated in a plasmonic layer, including noble metal nanoparticles. The plasmonic layer is protected from oxidation through a photocatalyst layer disposed thereon.

Abstract: An air purification system including a filter assembly including a substrate including a fibrous media, and a photocatalytic material disposed on the substrate, wherein the photocatalytic material includes a first quantity of crushed nanostructures; and a photon source arranged to illuminate the photocatalytic material with optical radiation.

Abstract: A system for disinfecting a fluid containing contaminants (chemical and biological) includes a plurality of photocatalytic particles secured to a substrate which contacts the fluid to be disinfected. An agitator for imparting translation and/or vibrational movement is in operational communication with the substrate to increase the contact of photocatalytic particles with contaminants in the fluid. The system can include a source of photons having a wavelength corresponding to band gap energy of the photocatalytic particles to illuminate the substrate. Although the invention can be used to disinfect air in air supply registers of a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system, or in air ducts, the disinfection of any fluid (including water) is contemplated.

Abstract: A filter media can include a fiber coated with a barrier coating that is substantially non-reactive to reactive species, and a photocatalytic coating disposed on the barrier coating, wherein the photocatalytic coating generates reactive species in response to illumination with optical radiation.

Abstract: A firefighting system can include an aqueous solution, including an ionic liquid surfactant, and an application mechanism configured to disperse the solution toward a fire.

Abstract: A system and method for laminating filter media can include applying an adhesive to a layer of the filter media and curing the adhesive. A multilayer filter assembly can include a first and a second layer laminated together using an inorganic adhesive.

Abstract: A system for disinfecting a fluid containing contaminants (chemical and biological) includes a plurality of photocatalytic particles secured to a substrate which contacts the fluid to be disinfected. An agitator for imparting translation and/or vibrational movement is in operational communication with the substrate to increase the contact of photocatalytic particles with contaminants in the fluid. The system can include a source of photons having a wavelength corresponding to band gap energy of the photocatalytic particles to illuminate the substrate. Although the invention can be used to disinfect air in air supply registers of a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system, or in air ducts, the disinfection of any fluid (including water) is contemplated.

Abstract: An air purification system including a housing defining a lumen, an inlet, an outlet, and a flow pathway between the inlet and the outlet and through the lumen; a filter assembly retained within the lumen and including a substrate defining an open three-dimensional volume, a photocatalytic material disposed on the substrate, and a photon source arranged to illuminate the photocatalytic material with optical radiation; and a flow control mechanism arranged along the flow pathway between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: An air purification system that includes a housing including a pedestal and an outer shell, wherein the outer shell is operable between an extended configuration and a compacted configuration, and includes a filter arranged within the housing along a flow path between an inlet and an outlet of the housing.

Abstract: An air purification system including a filter assembly including a substrate including a fibrous media, and a photocatalytic material disposed on the substrate, wherein the photocatalytic material includes a first quantity of crushed nanostructures; and a photon source arranged to illuminate the photocatalytic material with optical radiation.

Abstract: An air purification system that includes a housing including a pedestal and an outer shell, wherein the outer shell is operable between an extended configuration and a compacted configuration, and includes a filter arranged within the housing along a flow path between an inlet and an outlet of the housing.