Researchers at the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands have tested pollution-eating concrete on about 1,000 square meters of roads in the town of Hengelo. We already knew it worked in the lab, but this was a real-world test and the results are pretty remarkable: a 25 to 45% reduction in oxides of nitrogen (NOx) over the special roads. This is definitely good news because it could mean that someday our roads and other concrete structures could be used to clean up the air. How does it work?

How Does Air-Purifying Concrete Works

“Vehicle exhaust gases contain nitrogen oxides (NOx), which cause acid rain and smog. The air‑purifying concrete contains titanium dioxide, a material that removes the nitrogen oxides from the air and converts them with the aid of sunlight into harmless nitrate. The nitrate is then rinsed away by rain. These stones also have another advantage: they break down algae and dirt, so that they always stay clean.” (Source from Science Daily).

 

This material can also be mixed with regular asphalt for use where you don’t want or need a concrete road. Now as you can see, it’s pretty versatile.