How Do Ionic Purifiers Work?

Ion Generation

Ionic purifiers clean the air by using electricity to attract and trap airborne particles by generating negative ions. The negative ions are created by running high voltage electricity through thin metal wires or fins that create a negative charge on surrounding gas molecules and adhere to the particulates in the air. Now that the particulates are linked with a negative charge, they are attracted to their opposite polarity, a positively charged metal plate that captures the impurities from the passing air flow.

Fan Mechanism

Surrounding ambient air is drawn into the ionic purifier via a fan mechanism. It then travels across and through the ion-charged wire element and the now-charged airborne particles become affixed to the charged plate and removed from the air. The cleaned or purified air is then gently blown out again by the fan into the room.

Key Attributes and Downsides

Ionic purifiers can remove up to 90 percent of certain kinds of airborne particles such as dust and pollen but are not as effective as some filtered air cleaners at removing odors, chemicals and household gases. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can capture up to 98 percent of airborne contaminants but they do require periodic filter replacement. So that cost needs to be considered when investing in a unit. With ionic purifiers, unlike filter-only air purifiers, there are no replacement parts that need to be purchased and replaced when soiled so there is less outlay over the life of the unit.