A group of students from the Aragón Faculty of Higher Studies at UNAM have developed an ecological alternative, a photocatalytic concrete with the ability to purify both air and water , providing environmental solutions in the engineering sector.
The efficient process of photocatalytic concrete
Concrete is the main construction material in many modern structures , and is also known for its negative environmental impacts, including the emission of CO₂. To do this, some engineering students from FES Aragón created an ecological concrete version.
By integrating elements that catalyze reactions under exposure to UV radiation, it manages to decompose harmful substances present in the environment. This process used in concrete is known as “photocatalysis”, which manages to reduce atmospheric pollutants while allowing the water and air that comes into direct contact with it to be filtered and purified .
It also applies permeable materials to concrete , allowing water to seep into the ground, helping to prevent flooding and improving soil quality. Despite the advances and potential applications of this ecological concrete in urban infrastructures and gardens, its possible applications face challenges.
Currently, the manufacture of this type of ecological concrete has a higher cost than conventional concrete, due to the limited level of complexity in artisanal production. Furthermore, the absence of a large-scale production plant limits its availability in the market.
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Source: UNAM
Photo: Shutterstock
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