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Photocatalytic Air Purification Using Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Enhanced Paint on Building Exteriors: An Action Research Study for Urban Air Quality Improvement
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Education
Abstract
Background: Urban air pollution poses significant health risks, particularly in educational environments. Photocatalytic titanium dioxide (TiO?) incorporated into exterior paints offers a promising solution for passive air purification through photocatalytic oxidation of atmospheric pollutants. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of TiO?-enhanced paint applied to exterior walls in reducing ambient air pollution levels around Shambhu Dayal Global School premises and assess its practical feasibility as an environmental remediation strategy. Methods: This experimental study employed a comparative analysis design over 12 weeks, measuring air quality parameters before and after application of TiO?-enhanced paint on selected exterior walls. Air samples were collected using portable air quality monitors and analyzed for nitrogen oxides (NO?), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), and ozone levels. Photocatalytic activity was assessed under varying light conditions and weather parameters. Results: TiO?-enhanced painted surfaces demonstrated significant air purification capabilities with average reductions of 23.4% in NO? levels, 18.7% in VOCs, and 15.2% in particulate matter within a 10-meter radius during peak sunlight hours. Maximum photocatalytic efficiency was observed between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM with UV index above 6. Conclusion: The study provides evidence for TiO?-enhanced paint as an effective passive air purification technology for educational institutions, offering a sustainable approach to improving local air quality while maintaining aesthetic and protective properties of conventional paint systems.
Keywords
Titanium dioxide, photocatalysis, air pollution reduction, environmental remediation, sustainable building materials, nitrogen oxide degradation, volatile organic compounds, urban air quality
References
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How to cite this paper
@article{1709494,
author = {Dr. Jyotsna Sharma},
title = {Photocatalytic Air Purification Using Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Enhanced Paint on Building Exteriors: An Action Research Study for Urban Air Quality Improvement},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {9},
number = {1},
pages = {48-54},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1709494.pdf},
abstract = {Background: Urban air pollution poses significant health risks, particularly in educational environments. Photocatalytic titanium dioxide (TiO?) incorporated into exterior paints offers a promising solution for passive air purification through photocatalytic oxidation of atmospheric pollutants.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of TiO?-enhanced paint applied to exterior walls in reducing ambient air pollution levels around Shambhu Dayal Global School premises and assess its practical feasibility as an environmental remediation strategy.
Methods: This experimental study employed a comparative analysis design over 12 weeks, measuring air quality parameters before and after application of TiO?-enhanced paint on selected exterior walls. Air samples were collected using portable air quality monitors and analyzed for nitrogen oxides (NO?), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), and ozone levels. Photocatalytic activity was assessed under varying light conditions and weather parameters.
Results: TiO?-enhanced painted surfaces demonstrated significant air purification capabilities with average reductions of 23.4% in NO? levels, 18.7% in VOCs, and 15.2% in particulate matter within a 10-meter radius during peak sunlight hours. Maximum photocatalytic efficiency was observed between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM with UV index above 6.
Conclusion: The study provides evidence for TiO?-enhanced paint as an effective passive air purification technology for educational institutions, offering a sustainable approach to improving local air quality while maintaining aesthetic and protective properties of conventional paint systems.},
keywords = {Titanium dioxide, photocatalysis, air pollution reduction, environmental remediation, sustainable building materials, nitrogen oxide degradation, volatile organic compounds, urban air quality},
month = {July},
}