Iranian Scientists Synthesize Nanocomposite Surfaces to Eliminate Air Polluting Gases

Iranian researchers from Amirkabir University of Technology produced nanocomposite surfaces that can adsorb air polluting gases, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.

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2016-03-22

Nanocomposite materials with photocatalytic activities were synthesized in this research. The materials produced in this research are at laboratorial scale, and they can be used in the outlet gas convertors in vehicle exhausts.

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The aim of the research was to produce photocatalytic nanocomposites containing graphene, which are able to degrade toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides with high efficiency.

According to the researchers, it is very difficult to oxidize carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Air purification by using photocatalysts produced in this research can be a good replacement for other air purification methods due to its reasonable price, high efficiency, non-toxicity and production of harmless bi-products due to the oxidization of polluting gases.

Materials produced in this research are in form of a nanocomposite containing titanium oxide and graphene functionalized with cobalt. These materials have photocatalytic properties of titanium oxide and ability to form complex due to the presence of functionalized graphene at the same time. Therefore, the product has a higher efficiency in comparison with similar products.

Results showed degradation of nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide up to 51% and 46%, respectively. Although photocatalysts have already been used in air purification purposes, the combination of this method with a material able to form complex with pollutants is the innovation in this research, which significantly increases the activity of the photocatalyst.

Source: Nanotechnology Now

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