Impact of photocatalytic remediation of pollutants on urban air quality

Abstract

Air pollution remediation using photocatalytic construction materials was tested.

NO_x and VOC uptake rates on different materials were measured in the laboratory.

Effective NO_x and VOC abatement levels were tested under real conditions.

Recommendations for implementation of photocatalytic materials are provided.

In the recent years, photocatalytic self-cleaning and “depolluting” materials have been suggested as a remediation technology mainly for NO_x and aromatic VOCs in urban areas. A number of products incorporating the aforementioned technology have been made commercially available with the aim to improve urban air quality. These commercial products are based on the photocatalytic properties of a thin layer of TiO₂ at the surface of the material (such as glass, pavement, etc.) or embedded in paints or concrete. The use of TiO₂ photocatalysts as an emerging air pollution control technology has been reported in many locations worldwide. However, up to now, the effectiveness measured in situ and the expected positive impact on air quality of this relatively new technology has only been demonstrated in a limited manner. Assessing and demonstrating the effectiveness of these depolluting techniques in real scale applications aims to create a real added value, in terms of policy making (i.e., implementing air quality strategies) and economics (by providing a demonstration of the actual performance of a new technique).

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Photocatalysis / Air pollution / Depollution efficiency / NO_x / VOC / Air quality abatement and management

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the European Commission through the Life+ grant (LIFE 08 ENV/F/000487 PHOTOPAQ).

Funding

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2016 Higher Education Press and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg