A pilot project with an innovative textile façade that effectively binds nitrogen oxides was recently launched in Cologne. The textile façade filters harmful nitrogen oxides from the air and converts them into harmless nitrates to improve air quality in the city center. The façade is made from recycled PET bottles and aluminum. In addition, no adhesives were used in the textile façade, which allows it to be recycled at a later date. The textile façade was installed in Cologne at the adult education center on Cäcilienstraße, a busy street.
When harmful nitrogen oxides reach the textile façade, photocatalysis starts under UV light. Oxidation converts the pollutants into harmless salts, which are deposited on the façade. When it rains, these salts are washed away and can seep into the ground or be collected as rainwater and used for watering plants. The air filter performance of the textile façade is now being measured for a year in order to collect valid data on its effectiveness.
Various partners are involved in the pilot project: Schüco financed the manufacture and installation of the membrane with around 250,000 euros, the "Lebendige Stadt" foundation is contributing 10,000 euros towards the costs of ongoing measurement and evaluation of the results and has commissioned the Jülich Research Center to do this. The City of Cologne is not only providing the façade area, but is also paying the fees of around 20,000 euros.
Source: stadt-koeln.de
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