Catalytic air purification systems generally operate through one of the following mechanisms:
Oxidation: Pollutants are converted into less harmful substances by adding oxygen. For example, catalytic converters in vehicles use platinum and palladium to convert harmful carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water. Reduction: This process involves the removal of oxygen from pollutants. An example is the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, which converts NOx into nitrogen and water using ammonia or urea. Decomposition: Complex organic molecules are broken down into simpler, less harmful compounds. Titanium dioxide photocatalysts can decompose VOCs under UV light.
