High novel PCNano Material product for disinfection and energy efficiency of indoor spaces
About this good practice
The start– up company PC Nano Material, after a long research period in the Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH) based in Heraklion, Crete, invented a unique chemical recipe. The invented product which may be included in several products as an additive, provides air cleanliness/ depollution and disinfection (disrupting airborne pathogens such as bacteria and viruses) through photocatalytic reaction with either solar or artificial light in the room area. As a result, the implementation of such products may keep the indoor air quality at really high and healthy levels, while it is not necessary to replenish continuously with fresh air and losing the thermal load of the room in summer and winter.
Resources needed
The start – up company foundation was financed by a Greek VC (Big PI). The company is now raising 2MEuro for marketing, de-risking and licencing expences.
Evidence of success
PC Nano Material has earned many awards including the Gold award in “2020 Building Material Awards”. After the pandemic, public authorities in Crete use the material in their establishments for health and energy-saving reasons. It has been applied in the ER of Heraklion General Hospital, in the Headquarters of the Region of Crete during its energy renovation and it will be used in the Region's newly constructed building. Energy consumption/CO2 emissions savings haven't been measured so far.
Potential for learning or transfer
The characteristics of this practice can become a value proposition for a number of building materials producers and set an example for other companies which include innovative products in their portfolio.