Nanosized titanium dioxide particle emission potential from a commercial indoor air purifier photocatalytic surface: A case study

Background: Photocatalytic air purifiers based on nano-titanium dioxide (TiO2) visible light activation provide an efficient solution for removing and degrading contaminants in air. The potential detachment of TiO2 particles from the purifier to indoor could cause a safety concern. A release was measured one commercially available photocatalytic “Gearbox Wivactive” ensure successful implementation purifying technology. Methods: In this study, studied under laboratory-simulated conditions Gearbox Wivactive consisting ceramic honeycombs coated with nitrogen doped particles. particle factor scalable units according photoactive surface area volume flow (TiO2-ng/m2×m3). impact concentration level reasonable worst-case predicted by using well-mixed aerosol model. Results: instrumentation experimental setup not sufficiently sensitive quantify emissions surfaces. upper limit mass <185×10-3 TiO2-ng/m2×m3. Under realistic 20 m3 room ventilated at rate 0.5 1/h containing two resulted <20×10-3 TiO2-ng/m3. Conclusions: quantified generalized that can be used calculate emission different surfaces various operational conditions. This study shows nanoparticle low case does relevant exposure as compared proposed occupational values nanosized TiO2. risk adequately controlled conditions.