Inventing a new type of concrete helps treat air pollution

Researchers at the Korea Institute of Construction Engineering and Technology (KICT) have developed a new type of concrete that can clean the air.

The new type of concrete, called photocatalytic concrete, is coated with titanium dioxide that produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the presence of sunlight. ROS are in an unstable state with one or more unpaired electrons, so they easily react and decompose pollutants in the air, especially volatile organic substances, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and ammonia. .

A team of engineers tested new concrete at the Banpo underground tunnel in Seoul, South Korea. The tunnel has frequent traffic and poor air circulation. Artificial lights are added to speed up reactions in areas where natural light does not reach.

Test results showed that within 24 hours, the amount of nitrogen oxide decreased by 18%. The salt formed on the concrete surface is washed away by rain, the process operates indefinitely and requires virtually no additional maintenance.

According to Moitruongvadothi.vn