Let’s talk about photocatalytic concrete. Photocatalysis is a naturally occurring process that transforms solar energy into chemical energy upon contact with a catalyst. During this process, pollutants such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or sulfur oxides are eliminated to subsequently produce organic matter. To ensure that certain materials can absorb sunlight and promote a photocatalysis process, it is necessary to coat these components with certain semiconductor compounds.
In these times in which the disinfection and cleaning of streets and spaces have become essential to prevent the spread of pollution, bacteria, microorganisms or viruses such as COVID-19, the presence of photocatalytic concrete pavements is even more fundamental.
Let’s see how it acts in this sense.
The importance of photocatalytic concrete pavements
In order to combat excessive pollution and global warming, it is very important that our cities have photocatalytic materials that can reduce pollution. After the absorption of polluting elements by the semiconductor elements, it produces nitrate that will be cleaned with rainwater or when watering it with hoses. The waters that drag said nitrate have a very low level of residues, so they do not pose any problem for the groundwater.
The use of materials such as Cleannox’s eco concrete paving stones neutralizes part of the nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds emitted as a result of traffic. In addition to mitigating pollution in cities, the neutralization of these agents, especially nitrogen oxides, prevents the production of acid rain, which causes very harmful effects on forests. Therefore, the effects of these semiconductor materials not only benefit the cities in which they are used, but the entire planet.
A photocatalytic concrete paving stones pavement has other beneficial effects on the environment. This material combats warming on the surface. In this way, it helps to combat the serious problem of global warming. And, at the same time, it combats the adhesion of particles that produce bad odors resulting from road traffic and other activities.
These semiconductors can eliminate up to 90% of harmful elements, such as nitrogen oxides or benzene on clear days by means of photocatalysis. It should also be noted that the properties of the semiconductor element will not disappear over time, having the same useful life as the concrete itself.
Great oxidizing capacity that facilitates the elimination of bacteria and viruses
The great oxidizing capacity of these materials facilitates the elimination of fungi and bacteria, as well as microbes and viruses. Photocatalytic materials hinder the development of those microorganisms that favor the spread of viruses and bacteria. In these very difficult times after the outbreak of the pandemic caused by the coronavirus, it is vitally important that the pavements of our cities can contribute to eradicating this type of virus.
The protection of health is one of the main reasons to fight pollution in cities. It is estimated that about 400,000 people die each year in Europe due to air pollution. In Spain, diseases associated with air pollution reach up to 20,000 people.
Some studies estimate that health spending to alleviate ailments derived from pollution is between 1.7% and 4.7%. Hence the importance of the implementation of this type of semiconductors in the paving and construction of urban spaces to protect the health of its inhabitants.
In our country, the use of eco paving stones in the paving of cities will be tremendously useful thanks to the weather conditions. The incidence of sunlight and temperature are factors that will favor the photocatalysis process. And, with it, the fight against pollution.
Recently, it has been shown that the most polluted regions have suffered the consequences of the pandemic caused by COVID-19 more. Therefore, it is foreseeable that this technology will increase.
ECO PAVING STONES or ecological paving stones, using prefabricated concrete with photocatalytic effect.
Since January 1, 2023, all Cleannox concrete paving stones are manufactured with ecological paving stones with photocatalytic effect in order to combat air pollution caused by car traffic and other urban agents.
Achieving up to 50% reduction of pollutants thanks to concrete pavements with photocatalytic effect.
We are part of the Iberian Association of Photocatalysis
Cleannox is part of the Iberian Association of Photocatalysis, a non-profit entity that brings together manufacturers, distributors, public administrations, Universities, Engineering firms, architecture studios, technological research centers, etc. Together, they try to extend the use of photocatalytic technologies in the different areas of building, infrastructure, air quality, water purification, disinfection, etc.
More than a decade endorse this Association, which has always worked in favor of Photocatalysis, holding Conferences and Congresses, identifying and bringing together working agents in photocatalysis, listing existing applications on photocatalysis, manuals, products and solutions, recommendations, granting certifications. Also represent agents, manufacturers and users of photocatalysis before different national, European or international bodies.
Cleannox, adoquines de hormigón para pavimentos decorativos. Adoquines ecológicos con efecto fotocatalítico.
