science | March 18, 2026

What is a photocatalytic oxidizer?

What is a photocatalytic oxidizer?

Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) is a very powerful air purification technology and has the ability to destroy particles as small as 0.001 microns (nanometer) whereas HEPA filters can only filter particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Are photocatalytic air purifiers safe?

Using photocatalytic oxidation technology is a safe and effective way to improve indoor air quality. Many air purification systems produce harmful ozone; however, Cube air purifiers with PRO-Cell convert ozone into safe, healthy oxygen.

What is UV PCO?

In chemistry, PCO is the acceleration of a photoreaction in the presence of a catalyst. In catalyzed photolysis, light is absorbed by an adsorbed substrate. Titanium dioxide, particularly in the anatase form, is a photocatalyst under ultraviolet light.

What is PCO HVAC?

The PureAir and PureAir S systems reduce concentrations of pollutants through a process called photocatalytic oxidation (PCO). Similar to the process used by the Department of Defense to combat germ warfare, PCO combines nature’s three most powerful air purifiers: Ultraviolet light.

What is an air oxidizer?

Photo-Catalytic Oxidizers (PCO), Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs), and ionizers are electronic air cleaners that use a powered electrostatic process or ultra-violet lights to charge particles, which then become attracted to oppositely charged plates to remove airborne particles. UV Sanitization.

What is UV photocatalyst?

Photocatalysts are defined as materials which decompose detrimental substances under the sun lights containing UV rays. Pairs of electron and hole are excited by UV lights. The photo-generated electrons produce anion radicals like by reacting with O2. The holes produce active OH radicals by reacting with water.

Is photocatalytic oxidation safe?

Is Photocatalytic Oxidation Safe? Yes, the technology changes the air contaminants into harmless by-products and the process is effective in improving the quality of air.

How does photocatalyst work?

The substrate that absorbs light and acts as a catalyst for chemical reactions is known as a photocatalyst. When a photocatalyst is exposed to light of the desired wavelength (sufficient energy), the energy of photons is absorbed by an electron (e−) of valence band and it is excited to conduction band.

What is PCO air cleaner?

HIGHMARK has partnered with Genesis Air to bring to market an air-purifying solution that doesn’t rely on capturing particles. The technology is called Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO), which destroys organic compounds by turning them into CO2 and water.

What is UV photocatalytic?

Heterogeneous UV-TiO2 photocatalysis is capable to remove organic pollutants from textile wastewater, which has been widely studied and the technology also being commercialized in many developing countries in the world.

What are PCO air cleaners?

PCO air purifiers are standalone portable units that are effective in destroying pollutants. Ozone gas usually irritates the lungs and results in chronic respiratory diseases. Air purifiers using photocatalytic technology do not release ozone into the indoor environment.

What is PCO cleaning?

PCO air purifiers can cut down on unpleasant odors. Inside the panels, hydroxyl radicals accelerate the breakdown of most VOCs by destroying the molecular bonds. This helps combine the organic gases to form a single molecule that isn’t harmful to humans, thus enhancing the air-cleaning and odor-mitigating efficiency.