Smog eating concrete

If you just so happen to be visiting the Italian Pavilion of the architecture exhibition in the Venice Biennale between now and November 19th you might notice that the air seems a little bit crisper, the sky a little bit clearer or you may just notice the demonstration of concrete that utilizes titanium dioxide that when exposed to light (natural or artificial) can break down nitrogen oxide, benzene and carbon monoxide in a difficult to pronounce chemical process called Photocatalysis. So far measurable affects have been rather impressive with a 45-60% reduction in nitric oxides. The concrete doesn't magically sequester or destroy the smog creating compounds but rather breaks them down into relatively less harmful compounds of carbon dioxide, nitrates and water. It would seem to me to be a perfect material to build urban planters out of.

The "smog-eating cement" (known in Italy as "cemento mangiasmog" - by Italcementi ) is a patented technology which of course demands a premium price, however the actual smog eating cement need only be applied to the exposed surface material of the building, sidewalk, etc.

Paving blocks may cost up to a third more the traditional materials however the cost of upgrading a facade (the article did not mention it they meant upgrading an EXISTING facade with a screed, etc. but I suppose that would be possible) would demand a relatively small cost.

Besides decreasing atmospheric pollution the concrete would also preserve the building's appearance as it prevents build-up or discoloring and corrosive material.

Definitely not something that we should expect would alone save our cities and atmosphere but instead this represents a material that would help and provides multiple advantages for any urban environment. Sidewalks, roads and building facades present an incredible amount of surface area in any inhabited environment and increases proportionally with density, mirroring automobile traffic and pollution creation. While I would rather see a city lined with trees and covered in green roofs I can definitely adjust my Utopian "clean(er)" city to welcome the wonderfully plastic material of a smog eating concrete.

Cite your source: Businessweek