The largest air cleaner in the world begins purifying air in Tianjin. [Photo/Xinhua]

The world's largest outdoor air cleaner recently began operating in Renmin Square in Tianjin, which will help provide cleaner air around the square and call for people to participate in smog-reduction actions.

The air cleaner is a seven-meter tall tower located at the center of the grassland in Renmin Square. It uses ozone-free technology which can efficiently capture smog particles in the air and can clean 30,000 cubic meters of air per hour.

The Dutch designer and artist Daan Roosegaarde said the tower can provide clean air around the square and he regards the launch of the air cleaner as a chance to promote his smog-free mission and turn something generally ugly into something beautiful.

"Smog rings made with smog particles collected by the tower will also be exhibited in the city," he added.

Daan Roosegaarde and his team have been devoted to smog reduction activities for several years, ever since he encountered heavy-smog days while travelling in China.

The smog tower in Tianjin is the second stop of their itinerant exhibition and the team intends to appeal to NGOs, governments, innovative enterprises, and citizens to protect the environment and to contribute to the reduction of smog.