AIRE

Lima-based non-profit organization AIRE aims to improve the quality of life using photocatalytic paint for air purification through a natural breakdown process.

Nitrogen Oxides are air pollutants causing harm to public health. They are responsible for causing smog and various respiratory diseases. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), released as a byproduct of fossil fuels, are another form of toxic air pollutants contributing to a rise in greenhouse gas emissions. With the new paint technology, AIRE takes advantage of the natural photocatalysis process to breakdown compounds into harmless constituents. 

The photocatalytic paint used contains Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) as a catalyst. In the presence of oxygen and water vapor and by the action of light, the catalyst produces highly reactive free radicals. The free radicals act on the chemical bonds of air pollutants breaking them down into non-hazardous substances in small quantities. For example, the radicals act on NOx substances and produce Nitrate ions, water, and carbon dioxide. 

The photocatalytic paint has the following features:

• Non-toxic
• Eliminate VOCs
• Prevent molds
• Avoid dirt
• Act as deodorant and disinfectant
• Destroy pathogenic bacteria

The CO2 produced as a byproduct of the process is minimal and occurs at a rate of 1 CO2 molecule per 2 NOx molecule. 

It has been estimated by calculation that the photocatalytic paint has an average capacity to remove pollutants up to 91%.

AIRE has tested the photocatalytic paint through numerous projects in different cities. The company painted a mural at the French Embassy in 2016 in partnership with the Mobark Peru company. In partnership with company Medifarma, AIRE painted a mural at the Argentina Avenue in Lima in 2016. 

Another project was at the Lima Central Tower in 2015 where photocatalytic paint was first used in an office building. 

All the murals are painted with photocatalytic paint and a final cover of air-purifying KNOxOUT paint is applied. KNOxOUT paint was created by a collaborative in the Philippines, the co-creator of which visited AIRE in 2015 to encourage further partnership in projects.

AIRE offers individuals, companies, and institutions to take part in their project as partners or volunteers.