Melissa D'Amico

Stained glass air purifiers and new reaction technology
August 22, 2008

It has recently been discovered by researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) that stained glass windows which are painted with gold act as an air purifier when lit up with sunlight. These kinds of windows can be found in churches throughout Europe.

“For centuries people appreciated only the beautiful works of art and long life of the colors, but little did they realize that these works of art are also, in modern language, photocatalytic air purifier with nanostructured gold catalyst,” said Associate Professor Zhu Huai Yong, from QUT’s School of Physical and Chemical Sciences in a recent news story released by the school.  

According to the researchers, when the gold particles found on the glass are energized by the sun, they are able to destroy air-borne pollutants such as volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), which may often be found on new furniture, carpets, etc. These kinds of chemicals are not good for your health, even when found in small amounts.

“The electromagnetic field on the surface of the gold nanoparticles can be enhanced by up to hundred times, which breaks apart the pollutant molecules in the air.”

Researchers believe this discovery could open up great possibilities for developing more efficient chemical reactions. In most chemical reactions, all of the elements must be heated, creating a significant waste of energy for those components which do not require heating. By finding a way to use gold particles through solar-power, where only the gold is heated, the reactions could become more efficient.

It is believed that “once technology can be applied to produce chemicals at ambient temperature, it heralds significant changes in the economy and environmental impact of chemical production,” said Zhu.     

Posted by Melissa D'Amico on August 22, 2008 | Comments (0)