Greta Jimenez
The world's first ink made from air pollution, AIR-INK, was invented by Anirudh Sharma and his colleagues at Graviky Labs, a spin-off of MIT Media Lab. AIR-INK is made from carbon black, a particulate matter that is a byproduct of the incomplete burning of fossil fuels. By capturing this pollution and treating it through proprietary processes to remove heavy metals and dust, a carbon-rich pigment is created. This pigment is then ground down to achieve consistency in particle size and turned into a densely coloured, free-flowing black ink. Since 2016, Graviky Labs has cleaned 1.6 trillion litres of air, producing more than 1,200 litres of AIR-INK. The creation of AIR-INK not only reduces air pollution but also transforms it into something beautiful, connecting people to the issue of climate change.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Inventor | Anirudh Sharma |
| Co-founders | Nikhil Kaushik, Nitesh Kadyan |
| Company | Graviky Labs |
| Product | AIR-INK |
| Pollution Source | Vehicle exhausts, factory machinery, diesel generators |
| Pollution Composition | Microscopic particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon, heavy metals, dust |
| Process | Capture pollution, filter, grind to a standard size, liquify, bottle |
| Result | Densely colored, free-flowing black ink |
| Impact | Reduced air pollution, water source protection, soil protection |
| Applications | Art, fabric paint, screen printing, oil-based paints, markers, inkjet printers, textiles, publishing |
| Fundraising | Kickstarter, corporate partnerships |
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What You'll Learn
AIR-INK: the world's first ink made from air pollution
AIR-INK is the world's first ink made from air pollution. The idea for AIR-INK was conceived by Anirudh Sharma, who co-founded Graviky Labs alongside Nikhil Kaushik and Nitesh Kadyan. Sharma's inspiration for the product came during a trip to India in 2012, where he noticed the extent of pollution in the country. He observed black particles accumulating on his white shirt and took a photo of a white wall covered in soot caused by diesel generator exhaust. Recognising the potential in this pollution, Sharma set out to create ink from the carbon black polluting the air.
At the MIT Media Lab, Sharma and his team invented a device that captures air pollution and transforms it into safe, high-quality ink for artistic use. The KAALINK device can be fitted to the exhaust pipes of cars and portable generators, collecting the soot that forms from burning diesel fuel. This soot is then mixed with solvents and turned into black ink. The process involves filtering, grinding, and liquifying the particulate matter to achieve a densely coloured, free-flowing consistency.
AIR-INK offers a dual benefit: it recycles pollution into ink, and it replaces the need for carbon black, which is typically derived from burning fossil fuels. By using AIR-INK, Graviky Labs estimates that they have cleaned 1.6 trillion litres of air since 2016, producing over 1,200 litres of ink. Each 30ml of ink is equivalent to approximately 45 minutes of diesel car pollution.
To introduce AIR-INK to the world, Sharma partnered with artists and breweries to create street art and murals in cities like Hong Kong, Berlin, and London. The product has received positive feedback from artists, who appreciate its thickness and pigmentation. Graviky Labs also launched a Kickstarter campaign in 2017, raising over $29,000 from more than 680 contributors. AIR-INK represents a significant contribution to sustainability and eco-conscious practices, demonstrating how innovation can address global environmental challenges.
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Capturing particulate matter from exhaust pipes
Graviky Labs, founded by Anirudh Sharma and his colleagues, has developed a process to create ink from the carbon black found in vehicle and machinery exhaust. This process addresses the issue of air pollution by capturing and utilising the microscopic particulate matter (PM2.5) released during the burning of fossil fuels.
The KAALINK device, designed by Graviky Labs, plays a crucial role in capturing particulate matter directly from exhaust pipes and other sources of air pollution. This device can be customised for various applications, including capturing emissions from factory smokestacks and even from the air itself. By using KAALINK, Graviky Labs has successfully cleaned 1.6 trillion litres of air, producing over 1,200 litres of AIR-INK.
The process of capturing particulate matter from exhaust pipes typically involves the dilution of engine exhaust gases with air. This diluted mixture is then cooled to a temperature of approximately 47°C, as specified by US EPA procedures and other standards. High-efficiency sample collection filters are employed to capture solid particles and liquid droplets that condense from the exhaust gases during dilution. These filters are an essential component in laboratory settings, where the mass of particulate emissions is determined by measuring the weight of PM collected.
To transform the captured particulate matter into ink, Graviky Labs employs a proprietary process. The particulate matter is first filtered and ground to a standardised size. Then, it undergoes a liquification process, resulting in a densely coloured, free-flowing black ink. This ink, known as AIR-INK, is safe and suitable for artistic endeavours. Each 30-millilitre pen contains ink that is equivalent to 45 minutes of diesel pollution.
The use of AIR-INK has gained recognition in the artistic community, with companies such as Singapore-based Tiger Beer partnering with Graviky Labs to create public artworks in cities like Hong Kong, Berlin, and London. The ink has also been featured in museums, showcasing its potential to create something beautiful from pollution. Graviky Labs' innovative approach not only reduces particulate matter in the air but also highlights the importance of environmental consciousness in design and art.
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Removing heavy metals and dust
The process of making ink from pollution involves capturing particulate matter from air pollution, such as soot from vehicle and machinery exhaust, and transforming it into black ink. This process not only creates a unique artistic medium but also helps reduce air pollution and its associated health risks.
When it comes to removing heavy metals and dust from the environment, there are several methods and strategies that can be employed:
Removing Heavy Metals
Heavy metals, such as mercury and lead, are toxic environmental pollutants that can have detrimental effects on human health and the ecosystem. Here are some ways to remove and reduce the impact of heavy metals:
- Nanotechnology: Nanotechnology-based treatments offer promising solutions for the removal of heavy metals from complicated matrices, such as food and water resources. This approach utilizes nanomaterials like graphene, magnetic nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes to effectively target and eliminate heavy metal contamination.
- Natural Products: Experimental studies have explored the use of natural products to counter the toxicity of heavy metals. While the specific natural products are not mentioned, this field of research holds potential for developing innovative treatments.
Removing Dust and Particulate Matter
Dust can be composed of various materials, including pollutants, animal dander, soil, pollen, and more. Here are some strategies to reduce dust and improve air quality:
- Air Purifiers: Utilize air purifiers, such as the AllerAir AirMedic Pro 5 Air Purifier with a True HEPA filter, to continuously remove dust and particles from the air. HEPA filters are highly effective, capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
- Vacuuming and Cleaning: Regular vacuuming and cleaning of surfaces, upholstery, and fabrics can help eliminate dust buildup. It is recommended to vacuum slowly and make multiple passes over each spot to ensure thorough dust removal.
- Mopping and Microfiber Cloths: After vacuuming, mopping floors and wiping surfaces with microfiber cloths can effectively attract and capture remaining dust particles.
- Weatherproofing and Sealing: Weatherproofing doors and windows, as well as sealing cracks and crevices, can help minimize the entry of outdoor particles and dust into the home.
- Reducing Humidity: Maintaining home humidity levels below 50% can help reduce dust mites, as they absorb moisture from the air. Dehumidifiers can assist in achieving this.
- Welcome Mats: Placing welcome mats at entrances encourages guests to wipe their shoes, trapping outdoor particles and reducing their entry into the home.
- No Shoes Policy: Implementing a "no shoes in the house" policy further prevents the spread of outdoor particles and allergens throughout the indoor space.
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Mixing carbon-rich pigment with solvents
The process of making ink from pollution involves capturing particulate matter from air pollution, which is then treated to remove heavy metals and dust. What remains is a carbon-rich pigment, which is then ground down to achieve consistency in particle size. This pigment is then used as a colouring agent in the standard industrial process of making ink.
To make ink, this carbon-rich pigment is mixed with solvents and polymers to turn it into a smooth, flowing black rollerball ink. The specific type of solvent used is not publicly available information, but it is likely an organic solvent such as acetone or ethanol. These solvents are commonly used in ink formulations to help the ink adhere to surfaces and to control the viscosity and flow of the ink.
The ratio of pigment to solvent is important to ensure the proper consistency and flow of the final ink product. A higher pigment load will result in a thicker, more viscous ink, while a lower pigment load will result in a thinner, more fluid ink. The specific ratio used in the AIR-INK formulation is not publicly available, but it is likely optimized to balance the performance and flow of the ink with the amount of pigment that can be incorporated.
The mixing process itself can be done through various methods, including stirring, agitation, or blending. The specific method chosen will depend on the equipment available and the volume of ink being produced. For small batches, hand stirring or mechanical agitation with a paddle or impeller may be sufficient. For larger volumes, a blender or industrial mixer may be required to ensure thorough mixing and consistent results.
The resulting ink made from pollution is safe, high-quality, and suitable for use in art, printing, and writing. It has been used in projects around the world, from street art and murals to public pieces in cities like London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Berlin, and New York. By using this ink, artists and designers can not only create beautiful works but also contribute to a global art and sustainability movement, reducing the need for burning fossil fuels and creating something new and beautiful from pollution.
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Artists creating public artworks with AIR-INK
AIR-INK is the world's first ink made from air pollution. The brainchild of Graviky Labs, AIR-INK is a product of years of research and development, with the mission to create technologies that can have a large social impact.
The process of creating the ink involves using a Kaalink device to harvest soot from vehicle exhaust, then purifying it through proprietary methods to remove toxins and create various ink types. The Kaalink device can be retrofitted to the exhaust systems of diesel engines and vehicles to collect over 90% of emissions. The soot is then treated and turned into ink.
In 2016, Graviky Labs partnered with Tiger Beer to create street art and murals using AIR-INK in Hong Kong's Sheung Wan district. The project provided artists with AIR-INK to create public artworks, including a billboard erected on Shaftesbury Avenue in London, and murals in Hong Kong. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about air pollution and showcase the potential of using pollution as a creative resource.
Since then, AIR-INK has been used by artists worldwide, including Sneha Shrestha, a Boston-based artist from Nepal who paints mantras in Sanskrit and graffiti styles. Shrestha's work with AIR-INK holds personal significance, as she transforms waste collected near her hometown into something beautiful.
Through initiatives like these, Graviky Labs and artists are working together to address important issues of air quality and sustainability, turning pollution into a powerful medium for expression and connection.
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Frequently asked questions
AIR-INK is the world's first ink made out of air pollution. It is a safe, high-quality ink made for art.
AIR-INK is made from carbon black, which is a byproduct of the incomplete burning of petroleum products. The carbon black is then filtered, ground to a standard size, and liquified in a proprietary process to create a densely colored, free-flowing black ink.
AIR-INK helps to reduce air pollution by capturing particulate matter that would otherwise end up in our lungs or contaminate water and soil. It also reduces the need for burning new fossil fuels for ink production.
