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 [Innovation & Technology](/CSR-News/innovation-technology-0)

 # How the Nanostructure of a Butterfly Wing Inspired a Better Way to Purify Air

 


 

 Nov 23, 2020 11:15 AM ET

  Campaign:  [Biomimicry and Ray of Hope Accelerator](/news/campaign/biomimicry-and-ray-hope-accelerator)  ![](/sites/default/files/videos/thumbnails/705231/thumbnail-705231_0009.png)

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[How the nanostructure of a butterfly wing inspired a better way to purify air](https://www.raycandersonfoundation.org/articles/how-the-nanostructure-of-a-butterfly-wing-inspired-a-better-way-to-purify-air)

[Metalmark Innovations](https://www.metalmark.xyz/) was one of the finalist teams for the #RayofHopePrize presented by the Foundation and the [Biomimicry Institute.](http://biomimicry.org)

Metalmark addresses the global air pollution crisis by turning contaminated fumes into breathable air. Inspired by the structural coloration, aerodynamics, strength, lightness, and water repellency of butterfly wings, they are creating high-performance catalytic materials that can purify both indoor and outdoor air.

Art and Animation by Jules Bartl

Produced and Narrated by Ed Prosser

Funding provided by the Ray C. Anderson Foundation



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 [![](/sites/default/files/Clients/Screen_Shot_2014-11-05_at_3.00.07_PM.png)](/profiles/ray-c-anderson-foundation)

 



 

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