Everything You Need to Know About Molecular Air Purifiers

With drastic climate change, global warming, and air pollution increasing, humans are consistently exposed to air that’s filled with pollutants that harm us in the long run. The air quality index, or AQI, is fluctuating globally, raising concerns in people's minds.

While there’s not much you can actively do to change the quality of the air you breathe in outdoors, you do have control over the air you are breathing indoors, aka inside your home. Air purifiers are a boon in disguise. And, one such category of air purifier that has been turning eyes for the past few years is the molecular air purifier.

If you are intrigued by the concept of a Molecular Air Purifier and want to get a rundown of its operations, pros and cons, etc., this guide will explore them all.

What are Molecular Air Purifiers?

The standard air purifiers on the market are designed with traditional HEPA filters, and UV light purifiers also exist, both of which have dominated the market for decades now.

However, with rising air pollution and “indestructible” air pollutants, it was necessary to develop an air purifier that not only collected the pollutants from the air but also destroyed and eliminated them for good. That’s where molecular air purifiers come into the picture.

As the name suggests, a molecular air purifier is an advanced gadget that targets and destroys pollutants at a molecular level. The devices are programmed with the latest PECO (Photo photoelectrochemical oxidation), PHT (Photocatalytic Hydrogen Transfer), or plasma-based purification.

Not just the “larger” air particles and pollutants that the HEPA filters capture, molecular air purifiers are programmed to eliminate ultrafine particles and neutralize gases, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), bacteria, viruses, and even certain odors, making them the ultimate choice.

How Does a Molecular Air Purifier Work?

As we previously mentioned, the functioning of a molecular air purifier is usually a five-step process, and it uses the latest technologies like PECO, PHT, etc.

But how do they work differently than the standard HEPA filter air purifiers?

Here’s a breakdown of its operations:

1. Air Intake and Pre-Filtration

This is the first step that happens right after you switch on the air purifier. The device pulls the air into the filter and passes it through a pre-filter to separate the pollutants like smaller components, VOCs, dust, and pet hair.

2. Further Filtration

To ensure that the air quality in the house is top-notch, the pre-filtered air is again passed through another filtration using a nanotechnology-coated filter to ensure comprehensive filtering and cleaning.

3. Activation by Light Source

Although not mandatory in all the molecular filters, most are further activated by a high-energy light source (usually UV-A or LED). When the light hits the coated filter, it creates a chemical reaction known as photoelectrochemical oxidation, destroying the pollutants.

4. Molecular Destruction

As previously mentioned, molecular air filters not only collect and filter the air pollutants, they also destroy the pollutants at a molecular level. The oxidation reaction is what breaks down the contaminants.

5. Clean Air Circulation

Once everything is done, the clean and filtered air is expelled out of the molecular air filter, allowing you to breathe in the clean air.

The best thing about using molecular air purifiers, especially leading brands like MoleKule, is that they are silent, continuous, and highly effective, so you get your money’s worth.

MoleKule, a leading brand, first introduced the concept of molecular air purifiers, which truly revolutionized air purification at a molecular level.

Here’s what the brand claims:

1. HEPA filters can’t capture pollutants less than 0.3 microns

Citing this claim, MoleKule’s air purifier was developed using molecular air purification technology, which not only filters the smallest pollutants but also destroys them so they aren’t recirculated back into the air we breathe in. While it is true that HEPA filters can’t clear out every pollutant, it is also not true that they are incapable of clearing pollutants less than 0.3 microns in size.

2. Mold and bacteria grow in HEPA filters

The next claim MoleKule makes is that mold and bacteria consistently grow in the HEPA filters. We can’t rule out this fact entirely because humidity in the air can eventually lead to bacterial growth in the filters over time. However, even that isn’t a 100% reason why HEPA filters are inadequate in filtering out the air.

3. HEPA filters can’t capture virus

MoleKule claims that you need to rely on PECO technology to eliminate viruses from the air because HEPA filters are incapable of doing so. Again, this is not true. The diffused air delivery and filtration process ensures that not just bacteria but even viruses can be targeted and eliminated with a HEPA filter.

Beyond these, MoleKule also claims that PECO technology is more effective in eliminating larger pollutants instead of recirculating them back into the air. The same applies to VOCs, too. HEPA filters are equally capable of eliminating these pollutants.

Despite MoleKule's many “busted” claims, we can’t ignore the fact that the brand's different models of molecular air purifiers are truly amazing and live up to their claims.

Which is the Best Molecular Air Purifier in the Market?

There are a bunch of different air purifiers available on the market, and there are only a few when it comes to molecular air purifiers. MoleKule is the best brand producing good-quality and mid-range molecular air purifiers.

Among the many different models, the Molekule Air Purifier Mini+ is one of the best. Here’s everything you need to know:

The purifier's smart adaptive control panel features auto-protect mode, which detects pollutants and reacts to PM 2.5 levels by automatically adjusting the fan speed to maintain optimal air quality.

The purifier's connectivity options are also top-notch, enabling you to track air quality history and control the purifiers with a tap of a button. Since it is programmed with the latest PECO technology, you can breathe cleaner and better air indoors.

Is It Worth Investing in a Molecular Air Purifier?

If you live somewhere with poor quality air, investing in an air purifier will be the best decision you likely make for your health. But the question is, “Do you need a molecular air purifier?” The answer depends.

For example, molecular air purifiers are more expensive than the standard HEPA filter air purifiers. So, if money isn’t a factor for you, there’s no reason why you can’t take that leap of faith and invest in a more advanced technology.

However, keep one thing in mind: molecular air purifiers are quite limited, which means that accessibility is an issue. If they break down in the future, repair and maintenance might be a hassle.

Final Words

Molecular air purifiers are a revolution in indoor air quality management. By destroying pollutants at the molecular level, they offer a level of cleanliness that traditional systems cannot match. Whether you live in a city, suffer from allergies, or want the cleanest air possible for your family or workspace, molecular purifiers are worth considering. So, while they are amazing, the reasoning behind whether or not it would be a good fit for your home depends entirely on your needs (and budget).