IP/04/301

Brussels, 4 March 2004

EU smart construction materials absorb and wash

away pollution
A European consortium of private enterprises, research institutions and the
European Commissions Joint Research Centre (JRC) is running a test
programme for innovative construction materials set to help in the fight
against air pollution. The smart construction materials (plaster, mortar,
architectural concrete) and coatings are being developed as part of the
PICADA (Photo-catalytic Innovative Coverings Applications for De-pollution
Assessment) project. Special construction materials and coatings containing
titanium dioxide (TiO2) can capture and munch organic and inorganic air
pollutants after they have been exposed to ultra-violet and/or sun rays. The
degraded polluting substances can then be washed away by rainwater. The
new construction materials should help to reduce levels of nitrogen oxides
(NOx gases) which cause respiratory problems and trigger smog production,
and of other toxic substances such as benzene. The whole project will cost
3.4 million and the European Commission is funding up to 1.9 million.
Smart coatings can cause a revolution, not only in the management of air pollution
but also in how architects and town planners tackle the persistent problem of urban
smog, says European Research Commissioner, Philippe Busquin. The PICADA
project itself is closely linked to the remit of our programme for competitive and
sustainable growth, and fosters strong collaborative ties with various different
European businesses.

The European Commission contribution

Various types of smart construction materials were tested under experimental
conditions of humidity, temperature and ultra-violet (UV) radiation at the
INDOORTRON facility at the Commissions Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Ispra
(Italy), simulating a real world setting. NOx gases and organic compounds diffuse
through the porous surface and stick to the titanium dioxide nano-particles of the
construction materials and coatings. Absorption of UV light by the incorporated TiO2
leads to its photo-activation and the subsequent degradation of the pollutants
absorbed onto the particles. The acidic products created by this process are washed
away by rain and/or neutralized by alkaline calcium carbonate contained in the
materials.

Cementing future potential

The innovative materials developed by the consortium have yet to be applied outside
of laboratory testing conditions. Preliminary tests, however, with similar photocatalytic materials under field conditions show that air quality can be significantly
improved. In 2002, after 7000 square metres of road surface in Milan, Italy, were
covered with a photo-catalytic cement-like material, there was up to 60% reduction in
the concentration of nitrogen oxides at street level.
Similarly, measures taken in Japan using photo-catalytic cements and paving slabs
show a marked decline in air pollution. Coating materials designed on the basis of
titanium oxide are better because they can cover a much greater surface than
cement, since buildings and street furniture can be covered or painted with them.

Succeeding where other coatings failed

The de-pollution properties of these materials are based on the semi-conducting
photo-catalytic titanium dioxide (TiO2). The coatings containing TiO2 are effective
because air turbulence constantly carries NOx and other volatile and semi-volatile
compounds over the surface of the buildings; the molecules stick to the surface long
enough for the oxidation process to break them down.

The PICADA project at work

The PICADA Project, (Photocatalytic Innovative Coverings Applications for
Depollution Assessment), began on January 1, 2002 and will finish in 2005.
The main project objectives are:
- A better understanding of the processes and chemical mechanisms
- Assessment of the cost and durability performances of the coverings
- Product development and marketing
Currently, several photo-catalytic processes using the new materials and coatings
are being studied at the INDOORTRON facility. Here EU scientists will measure the
efficiency of the coatings in breaking down mixtures of pollutants (NOx and aromatic
compounds), which greatly contribute to the formation of smog.

Targeting NOx gases and indoor air pollutants

These new construction materials and coatings will be instrumental in helping meet
the EU target of reducing NOx levels to under 21 parts per billion per year by 2010.
Up until now EU researchers have focused on the development of innovative
materials for outdoor applications. In future, particular attention will be paid to
investigating whether these products can be used as de-polluting building materials
and coatings in indoor environments, too.
For further information, please see PICADAs homepage:
http://www.picada-project.com/domino/SitePicada/Picada.nsf?OpenDataBase

Annex

Partners and Contacts

Partner
Contact
GTM Construction C. GOBIN
(France)
CTG
Italcementi L. BONAFOUS
(Italy)
Millennium
C. LEHAUT-BURNOUF
Chemicals (UK)
Dansk
Beton A. HENRICHSEN
Teknik
(SwedenDenmark)
CSTB (France)
R. COPE
CNR ITC (Italy)
A. STRINI
NCSRD (Greece) J. BARTZIS
AUT/LHTEE
N. MOUSSIOPOULOS
(Greece)
P. LOUKA

e-mail
cgobin@gtm-construction.com
l.bonafous@itcgr.net
corinne.lehaut@millenniumchem.com
ah@dbt.dk

cope@cstb.fr
alberto.strini@icite.mi.cnr.it
bartzis@avra.ipta.demokritos.gr
moussio@eng.auth.gr
petroula@aix.meng.auth.gr