Air is purified through the use of a photo catalytic oxidation (PCO) and ultraviolet C (UVC) photon treatment. A single-stage PCO/UVC reactor includes an activated carbon filter (ACF) having titanium dioxide embedded therewithin or thereupon. A UVC set of lamps are disposed upstream and downstream of the ACFs. The UVC sets of lamps impinge UVC photons on the ACFs, initiating the PCO process and completely oxidizing toxic VOCs into carbon dioxide and water. The ACFs act to absorb and hold the VOCs (and intermediate breakdown organic compounds, such as formaldehyde) until the PCO process can completely break down the VOCs into carbon dioxide and water. A multiple stage UVC/PCO reactor may be used, if required and depending on the concentration of contaminants in the incoming air. In addition to detoxification, the UVC and PCO together sterilize the air by destroying viruses, bacteria and molds.
