Wednesday, 28th July 2004 (3225 views)

Gold is being used with titanium oxide to develop new nanoparticles that help filter pollutants and purify air.

According to Taiwan News, researchers at the government-affiliated Industrial Technology Research Institute (IRTI) have claimed they are now ready to commercialise the technology for the consumer market.

The particles would be used in new types of gas filters, air conditioners and air purifiers.

Dr. Amy Huang of ITRI's Union Chemical Laboratories explained: "Think tanks in Japan have estimated the commercial market for 'nano photo-catalyst' at about 40 billion yen this year. They project the market demand will grow to about one trillion yen by 2005."

The gold and titanium oxides are processed down to less than 20 nanometers in scale, with gold made to around five nanometers in size, this process then boosts the chemical reactions and catalytic qualities.

 

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