Nanotech Wall Coating for Cleaner Air
Nanotech Wall Coating for Cleaner Air
Ever noticed a sharp “new room” smell after renovation, or wondered what is in the air around labs, enclosed spaces, or busy indoor areas? This project introduces an advanced nanotechnology system to capture and eliminate indoor air pollutants using ordinary visible light, including LED lighting, the system filters toxic gases and fine particles simultaneously. It provides continuous, long-term air purification, using eco-friendly, largely biodegradable nanofibers to ensure clean campus air with minimal waste footprint
Why does indoor air quality matter on campus?
Campus environments house high-density populations across lecture halls, laboratories, and offices. Poor indoor air quality—caused by trapped volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fine dust, and airborne pathogens—directly impacts cognitive performance, causes fatigue, and increases absenteeism. Ensuring clean air protects student and staff health while aligning with modern university environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
What makes this unique?
Traditional air systems rely on passive filtration (like standard HEPA filters) that only catch physical particles but let harmful chemical gases pass through. This system is dual-functional: it integrates porous nanofiber materials that physically capture fine dust with chemical frameworks that trap and degrade toxic gases. Additionally, its deployment flexibility is highly unique, operating both as a physical filter and a permanent, spray-on functional coating.
Applications in HKUST
High-Traffic Classrooms & Atriums: The system can be deployed within existing air handling units (AHUs) as modular filter upgrades to safeguard heavily populated student hubs.
Research Laboratories: The sprayable coating can be applied directly to communal surfaces or ventilation ducts in chemistry and engineering wings to continuously trap escaping chemical vapors or microscopic particulate matter.
Campus Sustainability Showcases: Serving as a prominent Living Lab pilot, the project will generate visible field data to prove technical and economic feasibility, position the university at the forefront of smart green building tech, and engage over 1,000 community members through public demonstrations.