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The Calistair Technology

The evolution of Calistair Technology has always pursued one goal: elimination of microorganisms and volatile organic compounds (VOC).
The method of operation is based on various catalysts. They are applied to a metallic honeycomb structure and are activated by an energy source. Chemically, two catalysts and an adsorber form the basis for the elimination of all contaminants and microorganisms. The adsorber serves a key function: It intercepts all molecules that come into contact with its surface. Its hydrophilic properties turn it into a strong bonding agent for microorganisms, polar molecules and water - all substances that are inherently present in the air.
The adsorber has a large contact surface, which guarantees trapping large quantities of highly concentrated contaminants. After the captured contaminants have been absorbed in the first step of this complex process, the following step involves their deposition on the adsorbent surface - the contaminants are then migrated by mass transfer onto the surface of the catalysts.

Operating principle of the catalysts:
  1. The first catalyst is activated by exposure to light with its wavelength in the UV range. The light is generated by compact UV-C lamps with a UV yield of around 40%.
  2. The residual heat energy activates the second - non-thermal - catalyst.
Both catalysts are semiconductors. Provided these are supplied with sufficient amounts of energy - in form of either photons or heat, depending on the catalyst - it leads to the reaction during which the electrons, which in their original state remain on the valence band, move to the conduction band.
This turns the semiconductor into a conductor. The electron (identified as e-) represents an amount of matter after it has migrated to the conduction band. At the same time, there is depletion of matter on the valence band (described as electron-hole or h+).
These charges - electrons and electron-holes - are involved in chain reactions of oxidation-reduction. These reactions occur in just a few picoseconds. They result either through a direct impact of the chemical bonds of the pollutants or indirectly through formation of radicals, which are released upon contact with water and oxygen present in the air. The radicals themselves can attack and eliminate pollutants, eventually turning them into water and CO₂ produced at the end of the reaction in minuscule quantities. Another advantage of Calistair Technology: It does not produce any harmful by-products such as ozone at the end of the process.