Smart Surfaces: Heterogeneous Photo-Catalysis on TiO(2)Based Coatings for De-pollution Purposes in Indoor and Outdoor Environments

摘要

Heterogeneous photocatalysis using semiconductors, e.g. TiO(2)as photocatalyst is a promising technology for the degradation of environmental pollutants. Preliminary evidence indicates that TiO(2)containing construction materials and paints efficiently destroy the ozone precursors NO and NO(2)up to 80% and 30% respectively. The materials and paints containing TiO(2)developed so far are mostly for outdoor use. In the last decades, substantial efforts made to investigate further the photocatalytic activity of materials containing TiO(2)towards priority air pollutants like NO, NO2, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) frequently accumulated in indoor environments. A particular asset of these studies was to modify the titanium dioxide (TiO2) in such a way that it can be activated by visible light to use in building materials and paints used indoors, too.