Projects / Programmes
Development of photocatalytic coatings and gas-phase reactors for determination of coatings efficiency in air- and self-cleaning
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.04.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Materials science and technology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| H004 |
Humanities |
Philology |
Photocatalysis, TiO2, sol-gel coatings, gas reactor, self-cleaning ceramic tiles
Researchers (23)
Organisations (4)
Abstract
The present project proposal is based on the research efforts, achievements and problems arising during the last three years of our strong activities in the photocatalytic field. We have gained an expertise and insight into the major obstacles that prevent a broader use of photocatalytic materials in our daily life. This proposal addresses two approaches towards higher application value of photocatalysis: (1) efficient materials that do not require too complex synthesis procedures, and (2) reliable standard testing methods to evaluate materials efficiencies in gaseous phase.
1. Among semiconductor oxides, titanium dioxide in the anatase crystalline form is still considered to be the best photocatalytic material in terms of the highest efficiency/price ratio. Several commercially available titania powders and suspensions will be taken into account, but however, the development of highly efficient and transparent coatings is desirable as they can be applied on various existing surfaces without changing their appearance. We will proceed from our knowledge and experience in the field of sol-gel processing of transparent thin oxide films, especially from low-temperature processing route of active titania-silica thin coatings developed recently. We will particularly focus on the deposition of coatings (composed of either pure or doped titania or titania-silica) on ceramic tiles to bring them self-cleaning and antibacterial function. In the second step we will try to incorporate active nanoparticles already in the glaze material in order to reduce the number of preparation steps. Further improvements of efficiency via increasing the surface area of the catalyst will be attempted by using zeolitic supports.
2. Right now we are in the time of setting up appropriate standard testing methods on a European level to evaluate various photocatalytic surfaces (e.g. activity at the solid-gas interface) in a reliable and relatively simple manner. We are already actively involved in proposing standards for a liquid phase (where we have many experiences), while for the gaseous phase we are going to follow them and equip our laboratories with properly designed gas-phase photoreactors. The degradation paths and kinetics of pollutant gases such as VOCs will be followed by chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. The self-cleaning activity of ceramic tiles and other samples will be determined by contact angle measurements of pure and contaminated surfaces under UVA irradiation. Since antibacterial ceramic tiles are attractive as well from the application point of view, we will further develop our microbial testing methods. Important information in developing of new tiles and coatings will be also their mechanical properties and resistance to natural impacts such as temperature and humidity.
Significance for science
Cooperation of four internationally recognized research organisations, University of Nova Gorica, Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute, National Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology of University of Ljubljana, and Martex d.o.o. company as the end-user of the project results represents a solid basis to achieve significant results, which contribute to the development of science related to synthesis of improved photocatalytic coatings, especially for ceramic substrates (here an understanding of structure/property relationship is of a key importance), and in the field of relevant, reliable testing methods for measuring efficiency of the photocatalytic materials. We develop the testing methods in accordance with the development of standards in Europe, so we are able to evaluate various photocatalytic products in a right way, which is not at all a trivial task. In addition to follow the development of standard methods abroad, we are introducing some new own methods for efficiency evaluations, which have certain advantages over the standard ones. We promote them together with new materials by means of scientific publications in renown journals and contributions at international conferences in the field of photocatalysis.
Significance for the country
A new advanced product was introduced in Martex pilot production, with which the end-user Martex d.o.o., in case of broadening its production process, could keep or even increase its position on the market. Namely, in Slovenia we haven't got a producer of self-cleaning ceramic tiles yet, although an interest already exists. Additionally, we have included in the development of self-cleaning surfaces also Cinkarna Celje d.d., the leading producer of titanium dioxide in Slovenia. Namely, we have used their raw material, suspension of anatase TiO2 particles, as a starting material in our processing route of a coating solution. We have made from it two types of products, self-cleaning glass and ceramic tile.
Self-cleaning coatings in general keep the aesthetic properties of the substrate for a longer time, they reduce the need for maintaining and they have also ability to degrade some unwanted compounds in the surroundings. These are the values, which may nowadays respresent a better position on the market and assure one or another Slovene producer also an easier placement on foreign markets. Indirect impact of the project results for Slovenia is an increase of experts from the photocatalysis field, who transfer their knowledge to the scientific community, industry and education.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2008,
2009,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2008,
2009,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
