Nanoksi Finland, a nanotechnology company, has introduced a self-disinfecting nano-coating that reduces the number of viruses and bacteria on surfaces improving indoor air quality
The photocatalytic coating innovated by a Finnish company, has been of significant benefit in combating the corona virus epidemic, as studies shows that corona virus is transmitted not only as droplet infection but also from surfaces.
The photocatalytic coating, together with normal indoor light, destroys viruses, bacteria, mould spores, and other volatile organic compounds. The coating disinfects the surface when exposed to light. The phenomenon is called photocatalysis.
Pasi Keinanen, CEO of Nanoksi, Ph.D. of engineering, said, “In photocatalysis, light is used to initiate a chemical reaction in which the released reactive oxygen species react with and destroy the microbes on the surface. The reaction requires a catalyst, titanium dioxide. The method is also commonly used to purify water and air of various contaminants.”
Nanoksi Finland’s innovation was recently chosen as the winner of the international Aviation X Lab Accelerate competition. The Aviation X Lab Accelerate is an annual project undertaken by the five global aviation giants Airbus, GE Aviation, Emirates, Thales, and Collins Aerospace, to bring new innovations to the aviation industry. Among 102 solutions from 30 countries, the Nanoksi solution was selected as the best in the competition as it can be used in many areas from tourism to healthcare and due to its long-lasting effectiveness.
The photocatalytic coating can be installed quickly, forming an invisible, flexible breathable protection on the surface. The coating is activated within a day from starting of the coating work. The photocatalytic coating is suitable for any type of surface material and can be applied to new applications or installed afterward.
“Studies show that the COVID-19 virus survives on different surfaces up to several days. Photocatalysis is very well suited for the continuous disinfection of surfaces without chemicals. In addition to the coating, all that is needed is light,” Keinaen continued.
Photocatalytic coatings have been used for years on the exterior surfaces of buildings, such as walls and windows to keep them clean.
“Air usually circulates from the centre of the room up towards the ceiling and back down along the walls. When indoor air hits a light-receiving catalytic coated surface, the organic compounds that cause problems are destroyed. For this reason, in places with indoor air problems also the ceiling is usually coated in addition to the walls”, Keinaen explained.
