Abstract: Air purification apparatus is provided that removes undesirable substances, such as particulate materials, malodors, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and toxins, from the air present within an enclosed environment. The apparatus is switchable between a mode in which air immediately adjacent the apparatus housing is drawn in and purified, and a mode in which air remote from the apparatus housing is drawn in from a specific point within the enclosed environment through use of an elongate duct.

Abstract: Dry mixtures and liquid formulations are provided that comprise metal oxide and/or metal hydroxide nanocrystalline particles. The dry mixtures are advantageously formulated with select surfactants to be readily solubilized and stable in liquid carriers. Additional select components are provided in preferred combinations that are capable of achieving improved biocidal and chemical agent efficacy. Notably, the inventive formulations provided herein allow for easier delivery of the formulations and increased shelf stability.

Abstract: Dry mixtures and liquid formulations are provided that comprise metal oxide and/or metal hydroxide nanocrystalline particles. The dry mixtures are advantageously formulated with select surfactants to be readily solubilized and stable in liquid carriers. Additional select components are provided in preferred combinations that are capable of achieving improved biocidal and chemical agent efficacy. Notably, the inventive formulations provided herein allow for easier delivery of the formulations and increased shelf stability.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing or eliminating undesirable air-borne substances, such as odors, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins, are provided. A filter containing nanocrystalline metal oxide or metal hydroxide particles may be installed within an air handling apparatus such as an existing HVAC unit located within a building, and particularly within a home, or a portable air processor or purifier. The air handling apparatus comprises a blower which pulls air containing various undesirable substances from within the enclosed environment and directs it through a filtering device containing the nanocrystalline particles. The undesirable substances are sorbed by the nanocrystalline particles thereby creating a deodorized stream of air that may then be directed back into various portions of the enclosed environment or vented to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Methods of removing odors, particularly odors within enclosed environments are provided which employ nanocrystalline metal oxide and metal hydroxide particles. The nanocrystalline particles are dispersed within an enclosed space so as to contact exposed surfaces located within the space such as walls, floors, upholstery, and the like and adsorb odor-causing materials located within the enclosed space.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing or eliminating undesirable air-borne substances, such as odors, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins, are provided. A filter containing nanocrystalline metal oxide or metal hydroxide particles may be installed within an air handling apparatus such as an existing HVAC unit located within a building, and particularly within a home, or a portable air processor or purifier. The air handling apparatus comprises a blower which pulls air containing various undesirable substances from within the enclosed environment and directs it through a filtering device containing the nanocrystalline particles. The undesirable substances are sorbed by the nanocrystalline particles thereby creating a deodorized stream of air that may then be directed back into various portions of the enclosed environment or vented to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Methods of removing odors, particularly odors within enclosed environments are provided which employ nanocrystalline metal oxide and metal hydroxide particles. The nanocrystalline particles are dispersed within an enclosed space so as to contact exposed surfaces located within the space such as walls, floors, upholstery, and the like and adsorb odor-causing materials located within the enclosed space.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for destroying biological agents such as toxins and bacteria are provided wherein the substance to be destroyed is contacted with finely divided metal oxide or hydroxide nanocrystals. In various embodiments, the metal oxide or metal hydroxide nanocrystals have reactive atoms stabilized on their surfaces, species adsorbed on their surfaces, or are coated with a second metal oxide. The desired metal oxide or metal hydroxide nanocrystals can be pressed into pellets for use when a powder is not feasible. Preferred metal oxides for the methods include MgO, SrO, BaO, CaO, TiO2, ZrO2, FeO, V2O3, V2O5, Mn2O3, Fe2O3, NiO, CuO, Al2O3, SiO2, ZnO, Ag2O, [Ce(NO3)3—Cu(NO3)2]TiO2, Mg(OH)2, Ca(OH)2, Al(OH)3, Sr(OH)2, Ba(OH)2, Fe(OH)3, Cu(OH)3, Ni(OH)2, Co(OH)2, Zn(OH)2, AgOH, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Improved area decontamination products and methods of use thereof are provided which include reactive nanoparticles (e.g., metal oxides, hydroxides and mixtures thereof) with one or more biocides and a liquid carrier for the nanoparticles and biocide(s). The products may be formulated for area decontamination as sprays, fogs, aerosols, pastes, gels, wipes or foams, and the presence of reactive nanoparticles enhances the neutralization of undesirable chemical or biological compounds or agents. The nanoparticles may be from the group consisting of the alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, actinide and lanthanide oxides and hydroxides and mixtures thereof. In preferred forms, nanocrystalline oxides and hydroxides of Al, Ca, Ce, Mg, Sr, Sn, Ti and Zn are employed having single crystallite sizes of up to about 20 nm and surface areas of at least about 15 m2/g.

Abstract: Improved area decontamination products and methods of use thereof are provided which include reactive nanoparticles (e.g., metal oxides, hydroxides and mixtures thereof) with one or more biocides and a liquid carrier for the nanoparticles and biocide(s). The products may be formulated for area decontamination as sprays, fogs, aerosols, pastes, gels, wipes or foams, and the presence of reactive nanoparticles enhances the neutralization of undesirable chemical or biological compounds or agents. The nanoparticles may be from the group consisting of the alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, actinide and lanthanide oxides and hydroxides and mixtures thereof. In preferred forms, nanocrystalline oxides and hydroxides of Al, Ca, Ce, Mg, Sr, Sn, Ti and Zn are employed having single crystallite sizes of up to about 20 nm and surface areas of at least about 15 m2/g.