Breathing Easier: Revolutionizing Air Quality, Health, and Energy Efficiency

Quotes

“We structured our material at the nanoscale to give it a number of functions as well. Not the same as a butterfly wing, but we can remove volatile organics, we can catalyze different types of materials. And so that is the starting point.” – Sissi Liu, (8:01)

“By limiting ventilation air and allocating some of that energy towards circulated air improvement with localized and smart operations of our system, we can deal with air quality in a way that balances both health and energy.” – Sissi Liu, (14:26)

“There’s nothing like actually having data to demonstrate the results. And so we see this as an important piece that it’s not just from a concept perspective that we all know that this is the way it works, but we can actually have measurable numbers to show people.” – Sissi Liu, (39:11)

“What we have observed as a problem in indoor air quality is that a lot of tests get done only in laboratories based on standards that are out there. So we certainly have done those, but when you put those systems in a real-world environment, the results can be very different. You have people bringing different things into the environment…There’s a whole bunch of things that are impacted by human activity that are not taken into consideration in a laboratory study. And so this is why we do these pilots.” – Sissi Liu, (40:11)

Breathing Easier: Revolutionizing Air Quality, Health, and Energy Efficiency

On this episode of Service Evolution, hosts Shawn Black and Jim Robinson explore revolutionary air purification technology with Sissi Liu, CEO and co-founder of Metalmark Innovations. Metalmark is making its indelible mark on the service industry on beyond, striving to combat air pollution and enhance indoor air quality. Throughout the episode, the trio discusses the inception of Metalmark and how it was inspired by nature’s own ingenious designs, as well as how its groundbreaking nanotechnology is transforming air purification possibilities. Metalmark partners with service companies, empowering its customers with simplified, self-maintained air purifications. Whether you’re dealing with the dry deserts of Arizona or the humidity of Florida, Metalmark’s vision transcends climates to provide cleaner, healthier air for all. 

Pulling Inspiration from Nature’s Solutions

When Sissi and Metalmark first began considering solutions for indoor air purification, they turned to nature to observe how it solves this issue naturally. Rather than steal a page from other indoor air purification systems, which are often clunky, expensive, and require regular maintenance, Sissi looked to the metalmark butterfly for inspiration. She found that these butterflies’ iridescent wings are made up of multi-functioning nanomaterials that provide structure for the wings, support flight, repel water, and much more. If butterflies could utilize nanomaterials for a multitude of functions, why can’t humans use similar technology to solve common problems like air purification?

“We structured our material at the nanoscale to give it a number of functions as well. Not the same as a butterfly wing, but we can remove volatile organics, we can catalyze different types of materials. And so that is the starting point.” – Sissi Liu, (8:01)

While Metalmark’s nanotechnology accomplishes different goals than its butterfly namesake, its functions are also multi-faceted. Not only can it filter incredibly small nanoparticles and volatile organics from the air, but it also cleans itself, eliminating the need for the monthly upkeep and maintenance required by most indoor air purification systems.

Metalmark’s Pilot Programs

For Sissi and Metalmark, few things are more important than data that backs up Metalmark’s air purification hypothesis. While customers might notice a difference in air quality, having the numbers to prove it provides Metalmark with the level of objectivity necessary to thrive in the industry. 

“There’s nothing like actually having data to demonstrate the results. And so we see this as an important piece that it’s not just from a concept perspective that we all know that this is the way it works, but we can actually have measurable numbers to show people.” – Sissi Liu, (39:11)

While lab testing is important, Sissi notes that these methods can be flawed. They don’t account for the unpredictable changes that humans make to an environment. What happens to the air when someone heats up a stinky lunch in the break room? Or what if team members are going in and out all day, leaving doors open in their wake?

“What we have observed as a problem in indoor air quality is that a lot of tests get done only in laboratories based on standards that are out there. So we certainly have done those, but when you put those systems in a real-world environment, the results can be very different. You have people bringing different things into the environment…There’s a whole bunch of things that are impacted by human activity that are not taken into consideration in a laboratory study. And so this is why we do these pilots.” – Sissi Liu, (40:11)

To combat this unpredictability and create a more accurate and efficient product from the start, Metalmark works with a handful of pilot programs, installing their filtration systems with partnering companies that provide invaluable notes and feedback about their experience.

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