Clean Air and Sustainable Urban Environment
Photocatalytic Technologies:
MARIA MALAKHOVA
PRESENTS:
An innovative method for producing anatase titanium dioxide (TiO₂) enables the creation of photocatalytic surfaces that break down harmful air pollutants — including nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), sulfur oxides (SOₓ), and volatile organic compounds — under sunlight.
Anatase TiO₂ Technology — A Sustainable Solution to Reduce Urban Carbon Footprint.
Key advantages:
Scalability — easily applied to paving materials, facades, and urban infrastructure.
Zero-waste production adapted for the construction industry.
The urban heat island effect is reduced. In densely built-up city areas, temperatures can drop by up to 10 °C.
Improved ecological conditions without additional energy consumption.
Reduction of the carbon footprint through passive air purification in urban environments.
This technology is a practical step toward meeting climate goals and enhancing the sustainability of modern cities.
Complies with the Net Zero Strategy and The UAE’s Climate Action Blueprint.
Global context:
Environmental initiatives and sustainable construction.
- 50+ countries aim to reduce air pollution by 2040.
- Demand for eco—friendly solutions is growing.
- A new approach to construction focuses on sustainability and standards.
- The solutions comply with the Net Zero 2050 Strategy and the UAE’s Climate Action Blueprint, as established by Federal Decree-Law No. 11 of 2024.
Urban Challenges:
- Up to 70% of NOx emissions come from transport and industry
- Overheating, pollution, and health strain are growing
- Without eco‑solutions, climate effects may become irreversible
Those who implement affordable innovations will lead the future!
Photocatalytic concrete:
purification of air and facadesт
Activated by UV light, it breaks down pollutants
Reduces maintenance and cleaning costs
Prevents mold and moss growth
Eliminates unpleasant odors
Keeps surfaces clean for years
100 m² of photocatalytic concrete ≈ 30–40 trees in NOx air purification effect
Cleans the air from viruses and bacteria.
Reduces maintenance and cleaning costs
Prevents mold and moss growth
Eliminates unpleasant odors
Keeps surfaces clean for years
100 m² of photocatalytic concrete ≈ 30–40 trees in NOx air purification effect
Cleans the air from viruses and bacteria.
Who Benefits and How:
TiO₂ Photocatalytic Technology
TiO₂ Photocatalytic Technology
Air purification: eliminates NOₓ, SOₓ, viruses, and bacteria;
Urban cooling: reduces heat island effect and lowers city temperatures.
Urban cooling: reduces heat island effect and lowers city temperatures.
For Cities:
ESG alignment and compliance with green building standards;
Innovation: advanced technology integration;
Brand value: enhances the sustainability profile of the project.
Innovation: advanced technology integration;
Brand value: enhances the sustainability profile of the project.
For Developers:
Self-cleaning surfaces reduce the need for frequent washing;
Extended durability of pavements, facades, and outdoor elements.
Extended durability of pavements, facades, and outdoor elements.
For Operations & Maintenance:
Decomposes nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), sulfur oxides (SOₓ), VOCs, viruses, and bacteria under natural sunlight — improving urban air quality every day.
Air Purification
Photocatalytic concrete reduces surface and ambient temperatures by up to 10°C by reflecting sunlight and breaking down pollutants that contribute to heat retention, thus mitigating the urban heat island effect.
Urban Cooling Effect
Works passively using only sunlight — no electricity, filters, or mechanical systems required.
Zero-Energy Operation
Protects surfaces from aging and degradation caused by pollution, UV light, and microorganisms.
Durability & Lifespan
Decreases the need for costly washing and chemical treatments in public areas and buildings.
Low Maintenance
Breaks down organic dirt and smog particles, keeping surfaces clean longer and reducing cleaning frequency.
Self-Cleaning Surfaces
Supports green building standards, helps score points in LEED/BREEAM certifications, and aligns with global ESG frameworks.
ESG & Certification Ready
Anatase TiO₂ is an efficient photocatalyst with broad potential in construction.
Production cost: 0.6–0.9 USD/kg, while the market price ranges from 8 to 12 USD/kg.
For comparison, rutile costs around 5 USD/kg.
Production cost: 0.6–0.9 USD/kg, while the market price ranges from 8 to 12 USD/kg.
For comparison, rutile costs around 5 USD/kg.
Innovation Can Be Affordable
Can be produced with minimal waste and adapted for existing construction material workflows.
Eco-Friendly Manufacturing
Why It’s Cost-Effective
Each square meter of anatase TiO₂ coating purifies air as effectively as 5 trees, especially under strong sunlight — ideal for UAE climate.
1 m² = 5 Trees
One tree requires up to 25,000 liters of water annually.
1,000 m² = equivalent to 5,000 trees.
Saves up to 125 million liters of water per year.
1,000 m² = equivalent to 5,000 trees.
Saves up to 125 million liters of water per year.
Water Savings
Tree maintenance cost: $27–82/year.
Potential savings: $135,000–410,000 per year (for 1,000 m²)
Potential savings: $135,000–410,000 per year (for 1,000 m²)
Cost Reduction
Standards & Evidence
Compliance of Photocatalytic Concrete with UAE Climate Legislation and ISO Standards
- MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification)
- Photocatalytic concrete can be integrated into the UAE’s MRV system (Article 6 of the Climate Law) to track environmental impact — such as reductions in NOₓ concentrations.
- Supported by ISO 14064-1/2/3 (GHG accounting and verification) and ISO 14067 (carbon footprint of products).
- Emission Reduction (Articles 4 and 5)
- The technology reduces harmful pollutants (NOₓ, SOₓ, VOCs) and improves air quality without energy consumption.
- Fully aligned with the Net Zero 2050 target and national decarbonization policy as outlined in the UAE Climate Law.
- Energy Efficiency and Adaptation to Hot Climates.
- Photocatalytic concrete lowers surface and ambient temperatures by up to 10 °C, reducing thermal stress on buildings and infrastructure.
- Supports ISO 50001 (energy performance) and contributes to adaptation goals under the Climate Law.
- Sustainable Construction and ESG Alignment.
- Use of this material improves building ratings in sustainability certifications (e.g., LEED, Estidama) and supports broader SDG targets.
- Compliant with ISO 14001 (environmental management), ISO 26000, and ISO 37000 (social and organizational responsibility).
Photocatalytic Concrete: Standards and Proven Effectiveness
The technology complies with international and national standards:
Scientific validation of the technology:
The technology complies with international and national standards:
- GOST R 57255‑2016 — Russian standard for photocatalytic concrete
- ISO 22197‑1 — international method for evaluating NOₓ removal efficiency using photocatalysts
- EN 14688 — European standard for construction materials with photocatalytic activity
Scientific validation of the technology:
- Proven effective through testing by leading Russian universities: MIIT, SUSU, MASI.
- Supported by international research and peer-reviewed studies from top institutions:
- Tokyo University of Science (Japan)
- TU Delft (Netherlands)
- ETH Zurich (Switzerland)
- MIT (USA)
- South China University of Technology (China)
- Photocatalytic concrete is a scientifically validated, standards-compliant solution for sustainable cities that aligns with the UAE’s climate agenda and global environmental requirements.
ISO 22197-1 standard
Testing Camera
Result
Exposure to radiation
Reaction
NOx photocatalytic properties test according to ISO 22197-1 standard
In accordance with the ISO 22 197-1 standard, the photocatalytic properties of the selected samples are tested and their ability to reduce NOx levels is evaluated.
The ISO22197-1 standard:
The samples are pre-activated.
The initial concentration of NO is 1.0 ppm.
The flow rate of NO gas above the sample is 3 l/min.
The intensity of the UVA radiation is 1.0 MW/cm2.
Relative humidity is 50%.
The sample size is 49 x 99 mm2.
The initial concentration of NO is 1.0 ppm.
The flow rate of NO gas above the sample is 3 l/min.
The intensity of the UVA radiation is 1.0 MW/cm2.
Relative humidity is 50%.
The sample size is 49 x 99 mm2.
The ImplemAir model is based on real data from a single European city
Air quality management technology (The ImplemAir) significantly reduces the concentration of NOₓ with measurable results.
NOx data was collected from the official NOx level measurement station for 2018.
The light intensity data was obtained from the European Institute for use in the ImplemAir model.
The light intensity data was obtained from the European Institute for use in the ImplemAir model.
Effectiveness of Photocatalytic Concrete in the EU
In 2016, the European Union published a report evaluating photocatalytic concrete tested in three locations — two in Denmark and one in Spain (Valencia).
The goal was to measure air pollutant reduction (NO and NO₂) under real-life conditions in varying climates.
Total NOₓ reduction: 5% to 56.5%
Best results in Valencia:
– NO reduced by 72.7% (−38.6 ppb)
– NO₂ reduced by 28.4% (−8.8 ppb)
– Combined impact: −56.5%
Denmark's top result: −18.9%
Best results in Valencia:
– NO reduced by 72.7% (−38.6 ppb)
– NO₂ reduced by 28.4% (−8.8 ppb)
– Combined impact: −56.5%
Denmark's top result: −18.9%
Key Results:
The photocatalytic effect is stronger in sunny climates.
The Light2CAT catalyst showed high selectivity and a measurable impact on air quality, including indirect ozone reduction via NO₂ photolysis.
The Light2CAT catalyst showed high selectivity and a measurable impact on air quality, including indirect ozone reduction via NO₂ photolysis.
Use Cases
Facades of buildings, roofs.
Sidewalks, roads.
Glass, tiles, concrete products.
Examples from Europe, Japan, China.
Sidewalks, roads.
Glass, tiles, concrete products.
Examples from Europe, Japan, China.
The Qidfa Development project in Fujairah, UAE.
From the use of photocatalytic TiO₂ materials for air purification to the development of eco‑tourism and the local economy — this project stands as a model of an integrated green approach to construction and urban planning.
From the use of photocatalytic TiO₂ materials for air purification to the development of eco‑tourism and the local economy — this project stands as a model of an integrated green approach to construction and urban planning.
In 2024, the city of Voronezh, Russia, completed the landscaping of its first public space using innovative photocatalytic paving tiles.
This project marked a significant step forward in sustainable construction and urban improvement.
This project marked a significant step forward in sustainable construction and urban improvement.
Mexico City — facade of Manuel Gea Gonzalez Hospital
Shenzhen — Pedestrian areas and sidewalks in the Futian business district
TiO₂‑coated paving tiles were used to purify the air from NOx emissions.
The project was supported by the Shenzhen Municipal Public Works Bureau.
TiO₂‑coated paving tiles were used to purify the air from NOx emissions.
The project was supported by the Shenzhen Municipal Public Works Bureau.
Italy, Jubilee Church, Rome
The architectural masterpiece, lined with photocatalytic concrete, retains the whiteness of the facade due to the self-cleaning properties of the material containing titanium dioxide.
The architectural masterpiece, lined with photocatalytic concrete, retains the whiteness of the facade due to the self-cleaning properties of the material containing titanium dioxide.
Italy, Umberto I Tunnel, Rome
Coating the tunnel walls with photocatalytic paint resulted in a reduction of NOₓ concentration by more than 20% during two monitoring campaigns.
Coating the tunnel walls with photocatalytic paint resulted in a reduction of NOₓ concentration by more than 20% during two monitoring campaigns.
Italy, Road surfaces in Milan and other cities
The use of photocatalytic concrete in streets and parking lots has shown a reduction in NOₓ levels of up to 50%, depending on local conditions.
The use of photocatalytic concrete in streets and parking lots has shown a reduction in NOₓ levels of up to 50%, depending on local conditions.
Poland, Warsaw: Generation Park
As part of the Generation Park project, sidewalk blocks with photocatalytic coating were installed. Studies have shown that even in conditions of limited sunlight at the latitude of Warsaw, the effectiveness of reducing NOₓ remains.
As part of the Generation Park project, sidewalk blocks with photocatalytic coating were installed. Studies have shown that even in conditions of limited sunlight at the latitude of Warsaw, the effectiveness of reducing NOₓ remains.
Canada, Ontario, Highway testing The Ontario
Ministry of Transportation conducted field tests of photocatalytic concrete on the highway, demonstrating its potential in reducing air pollution.
Ministry of Transportation conducted field tests of photocatalytic concrete on the highway, demonstrating its potential in reducing air pollution.
United States, Thompson Courthouse, Chicago
The facade of the building is covered with photocatalytic material, which ensures self-cleaning and reduces the level of pollutants in the air.
The facade of the building is covered with photocatalytic material, which ensures self-cleaning and reduces the level of pollutants in the air.
Spain, Sarajevo Bridge, Barcelona
The reconstruction of the bridge using photocatalytic concrete, solar panels and phosphorescent coating is aimed at improving air quality and creating pleasant urban spaces.
The reconstruction of the bridge using photocatalytic concrete, solar panels and phosphorescent coating is aimed at improving air quality and creating pleasant urban spaces.
Japan, Sidewalks in Tokyo and Osaka
Since 1997, photocatalytic paving blocks have been used in more than 30 Japanese cities to reduce air pollution and keep surfaces clean.
Since 1997, photocatalytic paving blocks have been used in more than 30 Japanese cities to reduce air pollution and keep surfaces clean.
The possibility of localization in the UAE, Russia, Saudi Arabia.
Production launch options.
We are looking for partners, developers, municipalities.
Production launch options.
We are looking for partners, developers, municipalities.
Maria Malakhova is one of the few hands-on experts in the field of photocatalytic construction materials. She combines deep industry knowledge with real-world implementation — having overseen both the production of anatase-based TiO₂ materials and the deployment of these technologies in actual urban infrastructure projects. Her experience bridges innovation and practice, making her a leading voice in sustainable urban development.
About the Expert
Contacts for cooperation
Contacts for cooperation Contact us to discuss strategic cooperation or launch a joint project in the field of sustainable construction.
Email: malahova‑maria@mail.ru
Telephone: +7 920 211 90 40
Telephone +971582515098
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mariamalakhova78
Telegram: @star9089
United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Telephone: +7 920 211 90 40
Telephone +971582515098
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mariamalakhova78
Telegram: @star9089
United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
Urban Development and Maturity
Sustainable development leads to better health, greater prestige, and long‑term growth.
The quality of the urban environment reflects a society’s maturity and progress.
Thoughtful urban planning fosters healthier communities and enhances investment appeal.
The quality of the urban environment reflects a society’s maturity and progress.
Thoughtful urban planning fosters healthier communities and enhances investment appeal.