Air pollution is a major concern, affecting many cities around the worldHeavy traffic and factories emitting relentless emissions blanket the city’s skies with real smog clouds. Any new information about a project that is trying to tackle this critical issue is therefore worthy of celebration.
In this case, the story comes from an initiative driven by a joint scientific team from Stanford University in California and Tsinghua University in Beijing. Windows that can trap contaminantsTo be precise, this breakthrough involves the use of a series of nitrogen-containing polymers, typically found in rubber gloves, tents, etc., that can sequester most of the air pollutants.
This material can be incorporated into windows by creating nanofiber screens added to the surface of the glass, making it a key component of the architecture of cities such as New York, Shanghai and Beijing. Polymer is applied to the surface by blowing, a spray-like technique. Airflow delivers droplets of the polymer solution, forming a very thin layer of nanofibers to repel contaminant particles that would otherwise enter the building freely.
Tests included in reports published by Nano letter A window covered with a nanofiber layer claims to be able to filter out 90% of harmful particles for 12 hours, subject to Beijing’s very thick and highly polluted air conditions.
At this time, this polymer cannot eradicate the problem of urban pollution, but at least it can transform our homes into safer, more breathable environments.
sauce: Digital Trends, Scientific American
