A Practical Selection Guide from DEAI CHEM
When addressing air pollutants such as ozone (O₃), carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), catalyst selection is not merely a technical choice. It is a decision that affects regulatory compliance, operational stability, long-term maintenance costs, and system integration.
At DEAI CHEM, we approach catalyst development from a practical engineering perspective—designing materials that align with specific pollutants, operating conditions, and substrate configurations across industries ranging from healthcare to water treatment and industrial manufacturing.
This guide outlines how to evaluate and select the appropriate DEAI CHEM catalyst solution for your application.
Understanding the Regulatory and Operational Context
Modern air pollution control systems must comply with strict emission standards. In many cases, they operate under challenging conditions:
• High or fluctuating humidity
• Variable temperatures
• Limited installation space
• Continuous or intermittent pollutant loads
Each pollutant presents distinct risks and treatment challenges:
Ozone (O₃)
While widely used in water treatment and disinfection, ozone is harmful to the respiratory system and must be removed before atmospheric release. Residual ozone in exhaust systems requires reliable catalytic destruction.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Colorless and odorless, carbon monoxide is highly toxic at elevated concentrations. It is commonly encountered in breathing air systems, cryogenic air separation units, and industrial exhaust processes.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Compounds such as formaldehyde, alcohols, and hydrocarbons are frequently present in indoor air and industrial emissions. VOCs are regulated due to their health impacts and contribution to smog formation.
Selecting the correct catalyst begins with clearly defining the target pollutant and operating envelope.
DEAI CHEM Catalyst Portfolio Overview
• Target pollutants: Ozone and VOCs
• Primary applications: Indoor air quality systems, cleanrooms, consumer electronics, HVAC filtration
Hopcalite Catalyst is a multifunctional oxidation catalyst designed for ambient-temperature operation. Its versatility allows integration into multiple substrate formats, enabling flexible system design.
Available Substrate Configurations
• Metal honeycomb – High durability, flame resistance, low pressure drop
• Cellulose foam – High surface area with cost efficiency
• Nonwoven fabric – Lightweight option for HVAC filtration systems
Operating Conditions
• Effective at room temperature
• Compatible with metal, ceramic, or fiber-based media
Forms
• Powder
• Granular
Key Advantage
A multifunctional catalyst offering flexible deployment across diverse air purification systems.
2. Ozone Decomposition Catalyst
• Target pollutant: Ozone (O₃)
• Typical applications:
✅Off-gas from ozone disinfection in water treatment
✅Laboratory exhaust systems
✅Corona treaters
✅Non-thermal plasma generators
This catalyst is specifically engineered for efficient ozone destruction at ambient temperature without secondary emissions.
Reactor Integration Options
• Packed bed reactors
• Filter cartridges
• Gas scrubber vessels
Operating Principle
Ozone is catalytically decomposed into oxygen (O₂) upon contact with the catalyst surface. No external heating is required.
Form
• Granular
Key Advantage
Safe ozone conversion with no byproducts and minimal system complexity.
3. CO Removal Catalyst
• Target pollutant: Carbon monoxide (CO)
• Applications:
✅Industrial compressed air systems
✅Cryogenic air separation
✅Personal respirators
✅Aircraft cabin air systems
✅Subsea breathing air systems
Designed for efficient carbon monoxide oxidation under ambient or slightly elevated temperatures.
Integration Options
• Packed bed reactors
• Filter cartridges
• Gas purification vessels
Forms
• Powder
• Granular
Key Advantage
High CO oxidation activity combined with minimal pressure drop.
Substrate Selection: A Critical Engineering Consideration
Choosing the catalyst alone is insufficient—substrate compatibility significantly impacts system performance.
When selecting a substrate, consider:
✅Compatibility with corrosive gases
✅Temperature stability
✅Mechanical durability
✅Pressure drop limitations
✅Spatial constraints within the system
Metal honeycomb structures provide strength and low resistance. Foam substrates offer high surface area. Nonwoven media enable lightweight integration in compact filtration systems.
Correct pairing of catalyst and substrate ensures optimal residence time, flow distribution, and long-term reliability.
Catalyst Longevity and Operational Awareness
All DEAI CHEM catalysts are engineered for extended service life under properly controlled conditions. However, like all catalytic materials, performance may gradually decline if exposed to catalyst poisons or excessive contaminant loading.
Proper system design, pollutant pre-treatment when necessary, and periodic monitoring are recommended to maximize operational lifespan.
Making the Right Selection
Selecting the appropriate catalyst requires evaluating:
1. Target pollutant type
2. Concentration range
3. Operating temperature and humidity
4. Airflow rate and pressure drop tolerance
5. Available installation space
6. Compliance requirements
By aligning catalyst chemistry with system design and operational conditions, facilities can:
• Maintain regulatory compliance
• Improve workplace safety
• Reduce maintenance frequency
• Optimize long-term operating costs
A Practical Approach to Air Pollution Control
Whether your challenge involves ozone emissions from water treatment, carbon monoxide in breathing air systems, or VOC control in indoor environments, DEAI CHEM provides targeted catalytic solutions designed for efficiency, integration flexibility, and regulatory reliability.
Effective air purification is not achieved through generic materials—it requires precise matching between pollutant, catalyst, and system architecture.
For technical consultation, substrate selection guidance, or customized catalyst solutions, contact DEAI CHEM to discuss your specific operational requirements.