UANL students create hi-tech pollution absorbent

Specialists from the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL) have developed a semiconductor that captures and transforms nitrogen oxides (NOx) pollutants , which are emitted mainly by cars, into nutrients for plants.

Incorporated into construction materials such as cement or paint, the semiconductor has the ability to eliminate polluting gases by photocatalytic action induced by solar radiation; it is activated with visible and solar radiation, with which it captures the gases and turns them into water-soluble salts to nourish plants.

The innovating technology was developed by researchers from the Faculty of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering of UANL , according to a statement.

Azael Martínez de la Cruz

said that this development addresses the problem of pollution, particularly NOx type gases that are emitted by motor vehicles, generating pulmonary conditions and breathing problems.

For every thousand square meters of surface covered with the construction material developed by UANL experts, a volume of air equivalent to that breathed annually by 13 thousand people can be purified .

For the development of this project, the specialists worked with a photocatalytic reactor to simulate environmental conditions. It is the first of its kind in Latin America .

At the laboratory of UANL, the scientists designed new synthesis routes for bismuth oxyhalide (BiOl) , with the purpose of enhancing its photocatalytic properties and propose experimental conditions for the achievement of its synthesis in a sustainable way, using low temperatures and short reaction times.

"The cars have a built-in converter, which makes emissions less polluting, however, they are still polluting. This technology attempts to attack this contaminant as a secondary technology, "said the university researcher.

According to the document, nitrogen oxides (NOx) are yellow substances that are formed in the combustion processes of motor vehicles and power plants; they are toxic and irritating.

Mexican scientists create Eco-friendly cement out of industrial waste

dm