Concrete Element Adsorbing Nitrogen Dioxide Without Photocatalysts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing nitrogen dioxide from the atmosphere using concrete-based elements often rely on photocatalytic agents, which are costly and require light to function effectively, limiting their operational hours and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A concrete-based element with a surface porosity greater than 8% and a specific BET exchange surface area greater than 100 m²/g, utilizing activated carbon or modified activated carbon, which adsorbs nitrogen dioxide without the need for photocatalytic agents, allowing for continuous operation and increased adsorption capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If photocatalytic agents are used in concrete-based elements for nitrogen dioxide removal, then the depolluting action can be achieved, but the cost increases and the operation is limited to light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the photocatalytic agent from the concrete-based element, replacing it with activated carbon particles. This eliminates the dependency on light conditions and reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the nitrogen dioxide removal capability through adsorption mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from light-dependent photocatalysis to light-independent adsorption. By substituting the active material (photocatalytic agent with activated carbon), the system operates continuously regardless of lighting conditions, transforming the operational regime from intermittent to continuous.
2Reliability
If photocatalytic agents are used in concrete-based elements, then nitrogen dioxide can be removed, but the operational duration is limited to daytime and favorable weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation of the nitrogen dioxide removal function by replacing the intermittent photocatalytic process with continuous adsorption. The activated carbon-based element operates without interruption throughout day and night, providing uninterrupted depolluting action regardless of weather conditions.
3Reliability
If photocatalytic agents are used, then oxidation of pollutants can occur, but the process requires light, oxygen and water which limits applicability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using oxidation (chemical transformation) as the primary mechanism, the patent inverts the approach by using adsorption (physical accumulation). This reversal allows the system to function without requiring the presence of light, oxygen, and water, thereby increasing operational flexibility and adaptability to various environmental conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces nitrogen dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere, with high adsorption rates and prolonged adsorption duration, even in the absence of light, making it suitable for various applications including building and construction industries.
Implementation Method 1
A concrete-based element with a surface porosity greater than 8% and a specific BET exchange surface area greater than 100 m²/g, utilizing activated carbon or modified activated carbon, which adsorbs nitrogen dioxide
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to the use of an element for the adsorption of at least one atmospheric volatile compound and/or an atmospheric gas from the group comprising atmospheric nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, carbon oxides, ozone and volatile organic compounds. The aforementioned element has a surface porosity strictly greater than 8% and comprises: a one-piece body made from concrete and having a volume greater than 1 L; and, in the concrete body and/or at the surface thereof, a compound having a BET specific exchange surface area greater than 100 m2/g, said element containing no photocatalytic agent.