Overview
Research by a team of chemists led by Professor Zhu Huai Yong has shown that nanoparticles of gold, when activated by sunlight, can destroy air-borne pollutants such as methanol and other volatile organic chemicals(VOCs). Such chemicals are often released from new furniture, carpets, and even paint in good condition, contributing to the characteristic 'new' smell, and having adverse health effects. These compounds could be removed from the air by Professor Zhu's purification process, using only sunlight as an energy source.
- Research leader
- Organisational unit
- Lead unit Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Chemistry
Professor Huai Yong ZhuDetails
Photocatalytic purification already occurs in numerous churches throughout Europe, built in medieval times and decorated with stained glass windows.
The process works as the sunlight's electromagnetic field induces a resonance in the oscillations of electrons associated with the gold nanoparticles. The resultant amplification of the gold's magnetic field causes pollutants to degrade.
Professor Zhu notes that this photocatalytic purification already occurs in numerous churches throughout Europe, built in medieval times and decorated with stained glass windows. Gold was used to create certain tints in the glass and these particles can still be activated by sunlight.
The development of this process has significant economic and environmental implications. Solar-powered, the technology is also very energy efficient since only the nanoparticles of gold are heated. The process could be adapted to produce specialty chemicals at ambient temperatures with low energy cost, representing significant improvements in the economics and in the environmental impact of chemical production.
Professor Zhu's research has recently been applied to other environmental issues outside air purification. His technology is now being used for remediation and synthesis of fine chemicals in both liquid and gas based environments.
Publications and output
A sample of news articles on this research:
