THE CITY AS A LABORATORY OF CHANGE; BUILDINGS, CULTURAL HERITAGE AND ENVIRONMENT FOR A SAFE AND VALUABLE LIFE

The research will focus on the use of the photocatalytic phenomenon to ensure pure and safe environment in the exterior and interior of buildings. The goal will be the development of multifunctional, high efficient and durable photocatalytic coatings applicable to the main types building materials (concrete, plaster, glass or metal). The coatings will eliminate toxic volatile organic compounds (e.g. formaldehyde) and dangerous microorganisms. Moreover, these photocatalytic coatings will remove immissions from the contaminated air, especially NOx from road transport and industrial sources. Developed methodologies that evaluate a photocatalytic efficacy will not only accurately quantify the function of photocatalytic coatings in laboratories conditions, but also their extrapolation to real outdoor conditions. In this research, we will collaborate with the commercial companies that are already included into the consortium of the AV21 project and with whom we have been cooperating for a long time.