The Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IPC PAS) has developed a cheap and effective chemical compound capable of purifying the air of various toxins. The invention can potentially be applied to filters in industrial plants, as well as in gas masks or protective suits.

The international team was headed by Prof. Juan Carlos Colmenares from the IPC PAS. The results of the research were published in the Chemical Engineering Journal.

Chemists combined two substances: graphite oxide (an organic compound capable of catching toxin particles) and titanium dioxide (an inorganic compound that, under appropriate conditions, breaks down pollutants into smaller, harmless particles). Scientists were able to combine these two components through to the use of ultrasound.

According to scientists from the Polish Academy of Sciences, the innovative technology has a chance to find application in the purification of water and soil in addition to cleaning the air of toxins. The invention could neutralize wastewater in paper mills and coking plants, and even chemicals from the Second World War on the bottom of the Baltic Sea.