Nanotech has some interesting applications, although getting them to a point where they are economically feasible is often a quite different matter. Smog busting cement is a case in point.
It is no secret that the photcatalytic nature of nano titanium dioxide allows it to be used in self cleaning windows and paints for example. We have been hearing for years about the possibility of using building materials to soak up pollution using this very effect, and according to a recent report the European Commission last year earmarked $2.27-billion for a project (although we suspect the report may be a factor of a thousand or so out), and a number of construction companies are already looking at applying the technology.
Two hurdles still remain to be overcome before we have self-cleaning cities. Firstly, according to Italcementi the products are 30 per cent to 40 per cent more expensive than regular concrete, and using the external air quality as a selling point doesn’t necessarily appeal to builders with tight budgets. Perhaps even more of a problem is highlighted by Reynaldo Barreto, of Purdue University who wisely points out that there’s an awful lot of air and not a whole lot of surface.