New Delhi, March 13 (NationPress) On Friday, the Delhi government formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to initiate a pilot project focusing on photocatalytic "smog-eating" surfaces, as reported by officials.

Entitled "Comprehensive Study on the Effectiveness of Photocatalytic Smog-Eating Surfaces, Specifically Utilizing Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) or Comparable Safe Photocatalysts for Air Pollution Mitigation in Delhi," this initiative aims to address critical pollutants such as Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that contribute to urban smog.

The MoU signing was witnessed by Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Prof. Somnath C. Roy from IIT Madras’s Department of Physics, who is the Principal Investigator.

Senior representatives from the Department of Environment and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) were also in attendance.

“With this IIT Madras research, our goal is to discover the most effective, enduring, and cost-efficient ways to apply 'smog-eating' coatings on roads, buildings, and various city surfaces. If the study yields evidence-based results indicating that such coatings can reduce Nitrogen Dioxide and other pollutants, it will greatly benefit us,” remarked Sirsa.

Sirsa further noted, “As Delhi’s population continues to grow due to urbanization from surrounding areas, our infrastructure is expanding rapidly. Under CM Rekha Gupta's leadership, our focus is on ensuring cleaner air for residents without implementing blanket bans. We must leverage scientific solutions to safeguard our air quality while supporting this essential growth.”

Photocatalytic materials such as TiO₂ are activated by sunlight, initiating reactions that transform harmful pollutants into harmless compounds.

The six-month study will evaluate optimal incorporation methods, including mixing with concrete and asphalt, surface coatings for infrastructure, and innovative panels on rooftops or streetlights.

The research will also explore the creation and use of photocatalytic pollutant-removal panels based on Titanium Dioxide, which could be installed on rooftops similar to solar panels or mounted on streetlight poles to facilitate direct pollutant removal from the air.

“We are committed to fostering innovation, as evidenced by our innovation challenge that has progressed to its trial phase. This study is a testament to that commitment,” emphasized Sirsa.

Prof. Somnath C. Roy stressed the meticulous nature of the approach: “The study will commence with laboratory tests in a smog chamber at IIT Madras to accurately measure pollutant reduction effectiveness.”

Subsequently, our team will undertake real-time field evaluations in Delhi’s urban settings on surfaces like concrete, asphalt, metal panels, glass, and roadways to assess durability and performance under real conditions.