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Innovative Strategy to Combat Urban Air Pollution
The Chemical Institute for Energy and the Environment (IQUEMA) has introduced a groundbreaking compound aimed at the removal of nitrogen oxides, marking significant progress towards creating a practical air purification system.
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) encompass gases like nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide, predominantly generated through the combustion of fossil fuels. Given their detrimental impact on both public health and the environment, these gases have increasingly drawn the attention of researchers. A team at IQUEMA, affiliated with the University of Cordoba, has developed a photocatalytic material that effectively reduces NOx emissions. This innovation not only matches the performance of existing solutions but does so through a more cost-effective and sustainable method.
Photocatalysis: Harnessing Light for Environmental Remediation
Photocatalysis refers to the acceleration of chemical reactions by light. In addressing nitrogen oxides, this process utilizes light energy in conjunction with a catalyst to transform these harmful gases into harmless nitrates and nitrites.
Laura MarÃn, the lead author of the study, highlighted a key advantage of this new material: unlike many existing photocatalytic reactions that require ultraviolet light, this compound operates efficiently under visible light. Since visible light constitutes the majority of the solar spectrum, this development allows for greater utilization of solar energy in decontaminating air.
To achieve this, the research team synthesized a novel compound by integrating two distinct material types: carbon nitride, which triggers reactions with visible light, and lamellar double hydroxides, which not only catalyze the reaction but also enable economical and scalable production processes.
Professor Ivana Pavlovic, a contributor to the study, noted that this new approach can convert 65% of nitrogen oxides when exposed to visible light. This efficiency closely parallels that of other photocatalysts but offers an edge by relying on minerals like magnesium and aluminum, which are not only more affordable but also abundant and less harmful than conventional photocatalysts that may contain hazardous materials like cadmium or lead.
According to Luis Sánchez, a Professor of Inorganic Chemistry and Director of IQUEMA, this research represents a crucial advancement towards developing large-scale decontamination systems capable of effectively addressing air pollution in real-world conditions. Such systems promise to significantly mitigate one of the prevalent pollutants found in urban environments, which poses long-term health risks to populations.
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