Do ozone decomposition catalysts make the air fresher?

The air we breathe every day is not always fresh, especially in cities or closed office environments, where the air may contain a variety of pollutants. These pollutants not only affect our health, but may also make people feel uncomfortable. So, can ozone decomposition catalysts make the air fresher? To answer this question, we need to first understand what the main pollutants in the air are and how ozone decomposition catalysts work.
Main sources of pollutants in the air
Pollutants in the air are mainly divided into two categories: particulate matter and gaseous pollutants.
Particulate matter: including tiny particles such as dust, pollen, and smoke, mainly from automobile exhaust, industrial emissions, construction sites, and natural wind and sand.
Gaseous pollutants: including ozone (O₃), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂). These gaseous pollutants mainly come from automobile exhaust, factory emissions, the operation of printers and copiers, and even some household cleaners and decoration materials.
Among them, ozone is a common gaseous pollutant. Although the ozone layer in the high altitude can protect us from ultraviolet rays, ozone near the ground is harmful to the human body. It is generated by the reaction of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in sunlight and is common in cities and industrial areas.
The role of ozone decomposition catalyst
Ozone decomposition catalyst is a special material that can quickly decompose ozone into oxygen. Its working principle is simple: when air containing ozone passes through the catalyst, ozone molecules react with active sites on the surface of the catalyst and quickly decompose into oxygen (O₂). This process does not require additional energy and does not produce harmful substances.
How does ozone decomposition catalyst make the air fresher?
Reduce ozone pollution: Ozone is a strong oxidant. High concentrations of ozone can irritate the respiratory tract and cause symptoms such as coughing and headache. Ozone decomposition catalysts can efficiently decompose ozone and reduce its concentration in the air, thereby reducing harm to the human body.
Improve air quality: Ozone itself has a pungent smell. After decomposition, it becomes odorless oxygen, and the air will become fresher. In addition, ozone decomposition catalysts can indirectly reduce the generation of other pollutants because ozone reacts with other substances in the air to form secondary pollutants.
Environmentally friendly and pollution-free: Unlike traditional air purification methods (such as activated carbon adsorption), ozone decomposition catalysts do not produce secondary pollution. It simply converts ozone into oxygen, leaving no harmful residue.
Limitations of Ozone Decomposition Catalysts
While ozone decomposition catalysts are very effective in reducing ozone pollution, they do not directly address other types of air pollutants, such as particulate matter, VOCs, or nitrogen oxides. Therefore, using ozone decomposition catalysts alone may not completely solve air pollution problems. In order to improve air quality overall, ozone decomposition catalysts are usually combined with other air purification technologies (such as HEPA filters, activated carbon adsorption, etc.).