Photocatalytic Coatings
Although few products with this capability are currently available, an ambitious and feasible application is for cement formulations that include titanium dioxide resulting in self-cleaning buildings and pollution-reducing roadways. These cements turn deposits on walls and roads from smog into compounds that can be washed away.
Building a Better (Cleaner) World in the 21st Century
This Portland Cement Association article is on buildings that are self cleaning and roadways that reduce pollution. Recently introduced formulations of cement that include titanium dioxide are able to neutralize pollution, turning smog into compounds that can be washed away. Concrete, in all its forms and uses is a potential application as these self cleaning cements are functionally the same as regular portland cements.
KEIM Ecosil ME
This potassium silicate interior mineral paint contains titanium dioxide anatase photocatalytic crystals which yields a hygienic surface that lasts for the life of coating. The product is to be applied over mineral substrates and plasters. KEIM Ecosil-ME paint is highly scrub-resistant. It reduces pollutants, organics, and odors and is recommended for public buildings, hospitals, schools, hotels, nursing facilities, etc. KEIM Ecosil-ME will not burn.
Photocatalysis in Wikipedia
In chemistry, photocatalysis is the acceleration of a photoreaction in the presence of a catalyst. In catalysed photolysis, light is absorbed by an adsorbed substrate. In photogenerated catalysis, the photocatalytic activity (PCA) depends on the ability of the catalyst to create electron–hole pairs, which generate free radicals (e.g. hydroxyl radicals: •OH) able to undergo secondary reactions. Its practical application was made possible by the discovery of water electrolysis by means of titanium dioxide. The commercially used process is called the advanced oxidation process (AOP). There are several ways the AOP can be carried out; these may (but do not necessarily) involve TiO2 or even the use of UV light. Generally the defining factor is the production and use of the hydroxyl radical.
Sherwin-Williams acrylic latex paint – Harmony
This Durability + Design Magazine article is about this zero-VOC antimicrobial paint at Palomar Medical Center which actually attacks and reduces organic type smells such as sweat and urine.
Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles
A new paint that makes robust self-cleaning surfaces has been developed by a team led by UCL (University College London) researchers. The coating can be applied to clothes, paper, glass and steel and when combined with adhesives, maintains its self-cleaning properties after being wiped, scratched with a knife and scuffed with sandpaper.
WELL Shield Intelligent Surfaces
WELL Shield’s LightActive™ coating uses photocatalytic chemistry to continuously deactivate and decompose organic contaminants. Surfaces treated with LightActive™ are said to be self-cleaning and hygienic.
