Particulate air sampling using ferroelectric materials

Abstract

A passive and active sampler for airborne particulate sampling (especially particles of biological origin) and a method of using same are disclosed. The sampler includes a sampler base portion of variable size and shape having a longitudinal body and an inner surface. The sampler base portion is configured with a plurality of air channels having variable air channel spacing therethrough the longitudinal body. A plurality of layers of ferroelectric film have a first side and a second side polarized by application of an external electric field such that the first side produces a negative electric field at a first surface and the second side produces a positive electric field at a second surface. The plurality of layers of polarized, ferroelectric film are disposed thereon the longitudinal body with their opposite polarization directions facing each other across a fixed air gap to collect both charged and uncharged particles. The use of such technology as an electrostatic precipitator for active sampling of airborne particulates and a method of using same are further disclosed. This electrostatic precipitator technology can be used for bioaerosol or general particle filtration, as in HVAC systems.