GapS: The Future of Air Purification

Morteza Ghorbani Eftekhar's Innovative Design Tackles Air Pollution

GapS stands out for its multifunctionality. As a construction panel, it is designed to absorb large amounts of pollutants such as NOx, SOx, and VOC. Installed as an exterior façade on buildings, it naturally vacuums and purifies pollution, while providing additional thermal and acoustic insulation. It also harvests rainwater, demonstrating a holistic approach to environmental sustainability. The panel's unique features include smart maintenance, LEGO type installation, fire retardancy, and 100% recyclability.

The realization of GapS involved finalizing product design modifications and localizing the production line. The material base includes cement, fiberglass, and polystyrene, among others, and two thin layers of improved nanomaterials are coated on the surface. The design team, led by Eftekhar, is currently building an industrial park in Shanghai, China, using this technology to purify air and control wastewater.

GapS operates through the free spaces between building façades and walls. Polluted air is vacuumed by natural ventilation, such as wind and air density, and the panel's absorption process is based on a nano-based chemical reaction. The more pollution interacts with the panel, the more absorption occurs. GapS' smart turbulency design ensures significant interaction with pollution, leading to 3 to 4 times more absorption.

The project, which started in March 2016, is backed and approved by Denmark's Technical University. It was funded by the Climate-KIC Greenhouse funding program and is part of the Go Grow Accelerator program from Copenhagen Business School. The research involved extensive online records, university databases, and professional customer feedback. The design team overcame several challenges, including finding the right approach for the main idea and designing an efficient, multifunctional product.

GapS has been recognized for its innovative approach to tackling air pollution. It was awarded Silver in A' Building Materials and Construction Components Design Award in 2018. The award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. GapS is a shining example of how design and technology can come together to address critical environmental issues and improve the quality of life in cities.