New device removes deadly carbon monoxide

17 Jun 2002

Homeowners everywhere someday soon may be protected from deadly carbon monoxide fumes, thanks to a device invented at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA. The device uses a new class of low-temperature oxidation catalysts to convert carbon monoxide to non-toxic carbon dioxide at room temperature. It also can remove formaldehyde fumes. The catalysts initially were developed for research involving carbon dioxide lasers.

To work, the catalysts are applied to a surface; air passing over the surface reacts with the catalysts, transforming carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. The device requires no energy for operation, doesn't need to be plugged in, has no moving parts and lasts a long time, according to Dr. Billy T. Upchurch, of Langley's Experimental Testing Technology Division.