Development of low-cost self-cleaning and anti-bacterial coatings for building materials

(Innovation and Technology Fund, ITP/004/10NI, HK$1,000,000, 2010-2011) + (GSP-Internship Programme, InP/128/10 , HK$92,807, 2010-2011) + (GSP-Internship Programme, InP/148/10 , HK$86,032, 2010-2011) Water-based photocatalytic hydrosols are a new kind of photocatalysts in liquid form with more extensive application potential compared to conventional photocatalytic powders. The proposed project will develop a low-cost production line to synthesize the water-based photocatalytic hydrosol product and apply to the building materials such as ceilings, wall and rooftop for self-cleaning and anti-bacterial function. This research will further study the effect of coupling the nano-size metal ions with photocatalysts in the coating solution in order to increase its anti-bacterial efficiency, in particular under the dark condition. The performance of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) degradation and antibacterial function will be evaluated. The production procedure will be further optimized in terms of cost evaluation and control when compared to other similar products in the market.

Funding Source: HKSAR Govt - Innovative and Technology Fund (ITF)