Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

In situ NO abatement by photocatalysis—study under continuous NO injection in a 10-m3 experimental chamber

  • Published:
Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Air pollution is a serious public health concern in France and many other countries. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) include nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). They are mainly outdoor pollutants produced during combustion of fossil fuel. These gases can easily infiltrate buildings and thus increase indoor pollution. The recommended guideline values for NO2 are 200 μg/m3 (short-term exposure) and 40 μg/m3 (long-term exposure). Although no guideline values exist for NO, this gas can be oxidised by atmospheric ozone and thus produce NO2. This paper studies the depollution efficiency of photocatalysis towards indoor NO. Experiments were conducted at real scale, in a 10-m3 experimental chamber developed at the LMDC and used as a reactor. The interior walls of the chamber were equipped with painted plasterboards treated with photocatalytic coating (3 g/m2 of TiO2). Gas was continuously injected into the chamber according to a specific procedure: (1) pollutant injection at high flow rate to reach 200 ppb of NO, (2) pollutant injection at low flow rate in order to keep the NO concentration constant at 200 ± 10 ppb and (3) photocatalysis activation by switching on the light. Typical indoor lighting systems (fluorescent tubes, LED and halogen bulbs) were tested and UV fluorescent tubes were also used to optimise the photocatalytic efficiency. Results showed that NO indoor concentration was reduced by photocatalysis in real-world conditions. Significant NO degradation was obtained under visible light. In addition, using the experimental procedure presented in this paper, a new method for evaluating air depollution efficiency by photocatalysis at real scale is proposed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aïssa AH, Puzenat E, Plassais A, Herrmann JM, Haehnel C, Guillard C (2011) Characterization and photocatalytic performance in air of cementitious materials containing TiO2. Case study of formaldehyde removal. Appl Catal B Environ 107(1–2):1–8

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ao CH, Lee SC, Mak CL, Chan LY (2003) Photodegradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and NO for indoor air purification using TiO2: promotion versus inhibition effect of NO. Appl Catal B Environ 42(2):119–129

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Baukal C (2005) Everything you need to know about NOx. Met Finish 103(11):18–24

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Blondeau P, Iordache V, Poupard O, Genin D, Allard F (2005) Relationship between outdoor and indoor air quality in eight French schools. Indoor Air 15(1):2–12

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • CEN/TS 16980-1 (2016) Photocatalysis - continuous flow test methods - part 1: determination of the degradation of nitric oxide (no) in the air by photocatalytic materials. Eur Comm Stand. Available at: https://webstore.ansi.org/Standards/BSI/PDCENTS169802016. Accessed 3 Jul 2018

  • Chen M, Chu JW (2011) NOx photocatalytic degradation on active concrete road surface - from experiment to real-scale application. J Clean Prod 19(11):1266–1272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2011.03.001

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Colls J (2002) Air pollution © 2002, 2nd edn. Spoon Press, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Crain N, Juenger M, Cros C, Terpeluk A, Burris L, McDonald-Buller E, Sullivan D, Kimura Y, Spinhirne J, Rung M (2016) Laboratory and field studies of photocatalytic NOx and O3 removal by coatings on concrete - technical report 0-6636-1, Available at: http://library.ctr.utexas.edu/ctr-publications/0-6636-1.pdf. Accessed 3 Jul 2018

  • EU (2008) Directive 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe. Off J Eur Communities 152:1–43

    Google Scholar 

  • Fenger J (2009) Air pollution in the last 50 years - from local to global. Atmos Environ 43(1):13–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2008.09.061

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fujishima A, Rao TN, Tryk DA (2000) Titanium dioxide photocatalysis. J Photochem Photobiol C: Photochem Rev 1(1):1–21 Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389556700000022. Accessed 3 Jul 2018

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fujishima A, Zhang X, Tryk DA (2008) TiO2 photocatalysis and related surface phenomena. Surf Sci Rep 63(12):515–582

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gallus M, Akylas V, Barmpas F, Beeldens A, Boonen E, Boréave A, Cazaunau M, Chen H, Daële V, Doussin JF, Dupart Y, Gaimoz C, George C, Grosselin B, Herrmann H, Ifang S, Kurtenbach R, Maille M, Mellouki A, Miet K, Mothes F, Moussiopoulos N, Poulain L, Rabe R, Zapf P, Kleffmann J (2015) Photocatalytic de-pollution in the Leopold II tunnel in Brussels: NOx abatement results. Build Environ 84(2):125–133

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gaya UI, Abdullah AH (2008) Heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants over titanium dioxide: a review of fundamentals, progress and problems. J Photochem Photobiol C: Photochem Rev 9(1):1–12 Available at: http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1389556708000300. Accessed 3 Jul 2018

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • General T, Kopp P (2014) ANSES Note and recommendations 2011-CRD-11 / Study of the socio-economic cost of indoor air pollutants. Available at: https://www.anses.fr/en/documents/AUT-Ra-CoutAirInterieurSHS2014-02EN.pdf. Accessed 3 Jul 2018

  • Guerrini GL (2012) Photocatalytic performances in a city tunnel in Rome: NOx monitoring results. Constr Build Mater 27(1):165–175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2011.07.065

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hernández Rodríguez MJ, Pulido Melián E, González Díaz O, Araña J, Macías M, González Orive A, Doña Rodríguez JM (2016) Comparison of supported TiO2 catalysts in the photocatalytic degradation of NOx. J Mol Catal A Chem 413:56–66

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Horgnies M, Dubois-Brugger I, Gartner EM (2012) NOx de-pollution by hardened concrete and the influence of activated charcoal additions. Cem Concr Res 42(10):1348–1355. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2012.06.007

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Horgnies M, Dubois-Brugger I, Stora E (2015) An innovative de-polluting concrete doped with activated carbon to enhance air quality. In: 10th International Concrete Sustainability Conference (NRMCA), At Miami (USA), pp 0–13. Available at http://www.nrmcaevents.org/?nav=display&file=741. Accessed 3 Jul 2018

  • Hot J, Topalov J, Ringot E, Bertron A (2017a) Investigation on parameters affecting the effectiveness of photocatalytic functional coatings to degrade NO: TiO2 amount on surface, illumination and substrate roughness. Int J Photoenergy 1–35. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/6241615

  • Hot J, Martinez T, Wayser B, Ringot E, Bertron A (2017b) Photocatalytic degradation of NO/NO2 gas injected into a 10-m3 experimental chamber. Environ Sci Pollut Res 24(14):12562–12570. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-016-7701-2

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hu Y, Song X, Jiang S, Wei C (2015) Enhanced photocatalytic activity of Pt-doped TiO2 for NOx oxidation both under UV and visible light irradiation: a synergistic effect of lattice Pt4+and surface PtO. Chem Eng J 274(x):102–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2015.03.135

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hüsken G, Hunger M, Brouwers HJH (2009) Experimental study of photocatalytic concrete products for air purification. Build Environ 44(12):2463–2474. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2009.04.010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ifang S, Gallus M, Liedtke S, Kurtenbach R, Wiesen P, Kleffmann J (2014) Standardization methods for testing photo-catalytic air remediation materials: problems and solution. Atmos Environ 91:154–161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2014.04.001

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • ISO 22197-1 (2016) Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics) - test method for air-purification performance of semiconducting photocatalytic materials - Part 1: removal of nitric oxide. AFNOR. Available at: www.afnor.org

  • Karapati S, Giannakopoulou T, Todorova N, Boukos N, Antiohos S, Papageorgiou D, Chaniotakis E, Dimotikali D, Trapalis C (2014) TiO2 functionalization for efficient NOx removal in photoactive cement. Appl Surf Sci 319(1):29–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2014.07.162

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Klepeis NE, Nelson WC, Ott WR, Robinson JP, Tsang AM, Switzer P, Behar JV, Hern SC, Engelmann WH (2001) The National Human Activity Pattern Survey (NHAPS): a resource for assessing exposure to environmental pollutants. J Expo Anal Environ Epidemiol 11(3):231–252

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krzyzanowski M, Cohen A (2008) Update of WHO air quality guidelines. Air Qual Atmos Health 1:7–13

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laurence G (2015) Traitement de l’air intérieur par photocatalyse. Performance et innocuité de systèmes et matériaux - Rapport de recherche ADEME

  • Li Y, Henze DK, Jack D, Kinney PL (2016) The influence of air quality model resolution on health impact assessment for fine particulate matter and its components. Air Qual Atmos Health 9:51–68

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lin L, Chai Y, Zhao B, Wei W, He D, He B, Tang Q (2013) Photocatalytic oxidation for degradation of VOCs. Open J Inorg Chem 3:14–25

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maggos T, Bartzis JG, Liakou M, Gobin C (2007) Photocatalytic degradation of NOx gases using TiO2-containing paint: a real scale study. J Hazard Mater 146(3):668–673

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maggos T, Plassais A, Bartzis JG, Vasilakos C, Moussiopoulos N, Bonafous L (2008) Photocatalytic degradation of NOx in a pilot street canyon configuration using TiO2-mortar panels. Environ Monit Assess 136(1–3):35–44

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mamaghani AH, Haghighat F, Lee CS (2017) Photocatalytic oxidation technology for indoor environment air purification: the state-of-the-art. Appl Catal B Environ 203:247–269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2016.10.037

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Martinez T, Bertron A, Ringot E, Escadeillas G (2011) Degradation of NO using photocatalytic coatings applied to different substrates. Build Environ 46(9):1808–1816

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martinez T, Dompoint D, Bertron A, Escadeillas G (2013) Photocatalytic coatings for building materials: degradation of NOx and inhibition of algal growth. Int J of 3R's 4(1):520–533

    Google Scholar 

  • Mills A, Elouali S (2015) The nitric oxide ISO photocatalytic reactor system: measurement of NOx removal activity and capacity. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 305(x):29–36

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mosqueron L, Nedellec V (2004) Inventaire des données françaises sur la qualité de l’air à l’intérieur des bâtiments: actualisation des données sur la période 2001–2004. Observatoire de la qualité de l’air intérieur (OQAI) 1–61. Available at: http://www.oqai.fr/userdata/documents/Document_16.pdf. Accessed 3 Jul 2018

  • Mosqueron L, Nedellec V (2005) Hiérarchisation sanitaire des paramètres d’intérêt pour l’observatoire de la qualité de l’air intérieur: application aux phtalates, parafines chlorées à chaine courte, organo-etains, alkyl phénols et retardateurs de flamme bromes. CSTB 1–98. Available at: http://www.oqai.fr/userdata/documents/Document_13.pdf. Accessed 3 Jul 2018

  • NF EN ISO 9972 (2016) Thermal performance of buildings - Determination of air permeability of buildings - Fan pressurization method. AFNOR. Available at: www.afnor.org. Accessed 3 Jul 2018

  • Ohama Y, Van Gemert D (2011) In: Ohama Y, Van Gemert D (eds) Applications of titanium dioxide photocatalysis to construction materials: state-of-the-art report of the RILEM Technical Committee 194-TDP. Springer Netherlands, Dordrecht Available at: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-94-007-1297-3. Accessed 3 Jul 2018

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Rajeshwar K (2007) Fundamentals of semiconductors electrochemistry and photoelectrochemistry. Encycl Electrochem 1–51. Available at: https://application.wiley-vch.de/bard/eoe/pdf/v06_1.pdf. Accessed 3 Jul 2018

  • Ren H, Koshy P, Chen WF, Qi S, Sorrell CC (2017) Photocatalytic materials and technologies for air purification. J Hazard Mater 325:340–366. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.08.072

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Solomon PA (2012) Introduction: special issue of air quality, atmosphere and health for air pollution and health: bridging the gap from sources-to-health outcomes. Air Qual Atmos Health 5:3–8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Todorova N, Vaimakis T, Petrakis D, Hishita S, Boukos N, Giannakopoulou T, Giannouri M, Antiohos S, Papageorgiou D, Chaniotakis E, Trapalis C (2013) N and N,S-doped TiO2 photocatalysts and their activity in NOx oxidation. Catal Today 209(2):41–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cattod.2012.11.019

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Toro C, Jobson BT, Haselbach L, Shen S, Chung SH (2016) Photoactive roadways: determination of CO, NO and VOC uptake coefficients and photolabile side product yields on TiO2 treated asphalt and concrete. Atmos Environ 139:37–45

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization (2006) WHO air quality guidelines for particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide: global update 2005: summary of risk assessment. World Health Organization, Geneva, pp 1–22 Available at: http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2006/WHO_SDE_PHE_OEH_06.02_eng.pdf?ua=1. Accessed 3 Jul 2018

    Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization (2016) Ambient air pollution: a global assessment of exposure and burden of disease. World Health Organization, Geneva, pp 1–131 Available at: www.who.int.org. Accessed 3 Jul 2018

    Google Scholar 

  • Yu QL, Brouwers HJH (2009) Indoor air purification using heterogeneous photocatalytic oxidation. Part I: experimental study. Appl Catal B Environ 92(3–4):454–461

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhong L, Haghighat F (2015) Photocatalytic air cleaners and materials technologies - abilities and limitations. Build Environ 91:191–203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2015.01.033

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou L, Tan X, Zhao L, Sun M (2007) Photocatalytic oxidation of NOx over visible-light-responsive nitrogen-doped TiO2. Korean J Chem Eng 24(6):1017–1021

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to CRISTAL for providing the photocatalytic products, to the Laplace laboratory for its expertise in spectroscopy, and to Bronkhorst for financing the equipment used for flow measurement and control.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. LMDC, Université de Toulouse, INSA/UPS Génie Civil, 135 Avenue de Rangueil, 31077, Toulouse Cedex 04, France

    Jivko Topalov, Julie Hot, Erick Ringot & Alexandra Bertron

  2. LRVision SARL, Zl de Vic, 13 Rue du Développement, 31320, Castanet-Tolosan, France

    Erick Ringot

Authors
  1. Jivko Topalov
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Julie Hot
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Erick Ringot
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Alexandra Bertron
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Julie Hot.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Topalov, J., Hot, J., Ringot, E. et al. In situ NO abatement by photocatalysis—study under continuous NO injection in a 10-m3 experimental chamber. Air Qual Atmos Health 12, 229–240 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11869-018-0644-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11869-018-0644-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation