Novel spray paints for self-decontaminating latrine coatings

Purpose

To develop spray paints that will exhibit synergic properties by integrating the individual nanocomponents, realizing full potential of latrine coatings in terms of self-decontaminating performance.

Activities

The proposed spray paints consist of heterogeneous nanomaterials with three nanocomponents. Each component is tailored to address a different demand (e.g. high decontaminating efficiency, high contaminant adsorption, and broad solar spectrum utilization), so the resulting paints will exhibit synergic properties by integrating the individual nanocomponents, realizing full potential of latrine coatings in terms of self-decontaminating performance (e.g. durable, affordable, able to be mass produced, easy to clean, and smooth). More specifically, one nanocomponent can absorb visible and infrared lights, another nanocomponent possesses strong adsorption capability to contaminants, bacteria and fungi, and a nanosized ultraviolet photocatalyst serves as the base component. With appropriate chemical modifications, the proposed three-component nanomaterials can be readily incorporated into commercial spray paints as self-decontaminating latrine coatings with enhance cleanliness.

Countries of activity

Location of main activity

Objectives

The main objective of this project is to make more efficient use of sunlight by the resulting coatings in practical sanitary applications. It also aims to select stable nanocomponents to make the coatings resilient to aggressive environment. Moreover, the spray paints are attractive and flexible by possessing various colors like existing paints and being fitted into various pan/squatting platforms for affordable applications.

Filter tags

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Fundamental research and engineering Global North America Product design and engineering Toilets or urinals (user interface) University, education or research institution

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