Abstract
Field trials of photocatalytic pavements were recently initiated and are being considered by many states (e.g., Virginia, Texas, New York, and Missouri). Results from this study are from the country's first air-purifying asphalt and concrete photocatalytic pavements on December 20, 2010. The test area was a pavement site located on the Louisiana State University campus in Baton Rouge. The objective of this study was validation of photocatalytic degradation of nitrogen oxides (NOx) at the test site by measuring nitrate salts (NO3) deposited on the pavement surface. With quantification of the nitrate levels produced in the field attributable to photocatalytic activity, measurements were correlated to laboratory test results of NOx reduction efficiency. A field sampling procedure of NO3 deposited on the pavement surface is presented. On the basis of the results of the experimental program, the proposed method to quantify photocatalytic efficiency through nitrate measurements was successful. There was definite evidence that photocatalytic degradation of NOx was taking place in the treated section. In addition, the photocatalytic process was active during the first 4 days followed by a slight decrease in degradation of NOx. Full regeneration of photo catalytic activity took place through a self-cleaning process during a rain event. Six months of traffic and in-service operating conditions had negligible effects on the efficiency of the photocatalytic coating. In addition, there was good agreement between nitric oxide removal efficiency measured in the field after one day of nitrate accumulation and in the laboratory at the same relative humidity.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.