Optimizing photocatalytic performance in an electrostatic-photocatalytic air purification system through integration of triboelectric nanogenerator and Tesla valve

Increasing the collision frequency between gas molecules and photocatalysts can enhance the removal efficiency of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM) in air. In this study, we propose an Electrostatic-Photocatalytic air purification system, containing Tesla valve, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), and photocatalysis parts. The incorporation of Ag@ZnO nanorod array (Ag@ZnO-NR) photocatalysts into the internal baffles of the Tesla valve pipeline effectively enhances the collision probability between air pollutant molecules and photocatalysts, and thus facilitating the removal efficiency of pollutants. Additionally, the high-voltage electricity (~9.0 kV) generated by the TENG facilitates the separation of electron-hole pairs in the photocatalyst, leading to increased production of superoxide radicals (O•-2), hydroxyl radicals (•OH), and holes (h+), thereby enhancing the photocatalytic efficiency. In a 1.8 L space system, we achieved an approximately 97% removal efficiency for toluene within 130 minutes and a similar efficiency for formaldehyde (~200 ppm) within 175 minutes. Additionally, the PM2.5 concentration rapidly decreased from 999 μg·m-3 to 42 μg·m-3 within 6 minutes, alongside with a significantly faster pollutant removal rate compared to conventional methods. By integrating Tesla valves, TENG, and photocatalysis, this combined system presents an efficient and promising approach for addressing indoor air pollution, with potential applications across various settings.