Dutch scientists create floor capable of capturing air pollution

In urban areas, which seems to take care of the landscape is the pollution and the pavement. Although they seem two separate and distinct elements, Dutch scientists of the Eindhoven University thought the air and the land could be United to help reduce global pollution. So they invented a new method to clean up the atmosphere, composed of blocks of pavement with titanium oxide.

Over the course of a year, the researchers discovered that the floor, placed in the city of Hengelo, in the Netherlands, was able to reduce air pollution in 45% in ideal conditions and in 19% throughout the day through floor coating with blocks of titanium oxide, this harmful nitrogen oxides captures the air and converts them into less dangerous substances â€" such as nitrates.

Although technology has already been introduced in 2008 by the Italian company Italcementi, research in the Netherlands is helping to increase the visibility and the strength of a new pollution control technique â€" the catalysts tend to become less effective over time and cost about 10% more than the conventional cement.

Although the invention is not a substitute for the overall reduction of air pollution, has the potential to help inhibit a large amount of emissions from cars and industries in areas troubled by poor air quality.

The team of researchers published their findings in the June issue of the Journal of Hazardous Materials.

Photo: under Creative Commons license

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