EAGER: Developing Sustainable Solutions for Building Industry: Recycling Fresh and Aged Concrete to Remove Nitrogen Dioxide

这项早期探索性研究拨款(EIGER)奖将制定一项战略，通过将混凝土用作吸附剂来去除二氧化氮(NO2)，从而使混凝土变得更环保，从而抵消水泥生产和各种其他来源产生的NO2排放。NO2的排放会导致各种环境和健康问题。它们会导致酸雨、大气颗粒物和各种其他有毒物质的形成，从而导致健康问题、能见度降低、富营养化和全球变暖。NO2排放最显著的结果之一是形成地面臭氧，这是在阳光下NO2与挥发性有机化合物(VOCs)反应产生的。一旦形成，它会引起不良反应，如对肺组织的损害和肺功能的降低。使用新混凝土和老化混凝土来去除NO2的策略提供了巨大的潜力，可以改变废弃混凝土的处理和回收方式。它还以创新和协同的方式汇集了结构材料、材料工程、表面科学、环境化学和大气科学等学科。

This EArly Grant for Exploratory Research (EAGER) award will develop a strategy of making the concrete more environmentally friendly by using it as adsorbent to remove Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), therefore offsetting the NO2 emissions originating from cement production and various other sources. NO2 emissions can cause various environmental and health problems. They contribute to formation of acid rain, atmospheric particles and various other toxic substances resulting in health problems, visibility reduction, eutrification and global warming. One of the most prominent results of NO2 emissions is formation of ground level ozone, which is produced in the reaction of NO2 with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. When formed, it causes adverse effects such as damage to lung tissue and reduction in lung function. The strategy of using both fresh and aged concrete for NO2 removal offers a significant potential to transform the way the waste concrete is disposed of and recycled. It also brings together such disciplines as structural materials, materials engineering, surface science, environmental chemistry and atmospheric science in an innovative and synergetic manner.