Nano-Engineered Biochar Coatings for Air Pollution Mitigation in Smart City Environments

¹ Vice-Rector, Research & Innovation, Turan International University, Namangan, Uzbekistan
² Department of Law, College of Law, Sawa University, Almuthana, Iraq
³ Warka University College, Iraq
⁴ Al-Nisour University College, Nisour Seq. Karkh, Baghdad, Iraq
⁵ Al-Zahrawi University College, Karbala, Iraq
⁶ Mazaya university college, Iraq

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Air pollution is also a problem that is current in the rapidly growing smart cities affecting the quality of the environment and human health. In this paper, the authors explain how nano-engineered biochar coating has been developed and used to reduce air pollution in cities. Biomass waste was converted to biochar by means of controlled pyrolysis followed by functionalization at the nano-level to maximize the surface area, porosity and reactivity for adsorption and degradation of pollutants. The materials were adapted into urban infrastructure components, such as building facades and public transport shelters, within the context of a simulated smart city. Full size tests delivered numerous major reductions in widespread air contaminants (including particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The coatings were also found to be environmentally sustainable and economical to large scale production which were in line with the sustainable development objectives. The research offers a rationale of applying high-tech biochar-based materials as a tool of enhancing air quality and contributing to the creation of healthier and more resilient cities.