The UV light air purifiers on the market use UV-C light, which is also called germicidal light. UV-C light is only effective at disinfecting surfaces and is not effective at destroying pollutants in the airflow. This is because it must shine intense light for a period of time on a contaminated surface to slowly break microbes down. UV-C light also only works on certain pollutants. Some, like VOCs (harmful airborne chemicals), are not destroyed by UV-C light at all. UV-C light is dangerous to humans, especially in direct exposure. Additionally, UV-C light produces ozone, which is a harmful lung irritant.

Molekule air purifiers use Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO) technology. Unlike germicidal UV light, PECO does not use light to directly break down contaminants. Instead, our technology uses light to initiate a chemical reaction on our nanoparticle-coated filter surface. Light-activated nanoparticles produce free radicals that stay on the surface of the filter and destroy any organic compound passing by, such as bacteria, viruses, mold, and VOCs in the air. This process works regardless of how microscopic the pollutants are. Unlike HEPA, which can only catch larger particles, PECO is a full-spectrum solution.