Delhi Roads to 'Eat' Smog: IIT Madras Partnership Explores Air-Cleaning Tech

• Delhi government partners with IIT Madras to explore "smog-eating surfaces" for air pollution reduction.
• The project involves applying special coatings to roads, pavements, and buildings to neutralize pollutants.
• Technology uses photocatalysis with titanium dioxide (TiO₂) to convert harmful pollutants into less harmful compounds when exposed to sunlight.
• Pilot study will test material effectiveness, durability, and cost-effectiveness over six months.
• If successful, the technology could be applied to various surfaces across high-pollution areas, complementing broader anti-pollution strategies.