MICROSCOPIC INVESTIGATION ON PM10 AND AIR-CLEANING COATINGS BASED ON NANO-TIO2

Abstract

Fine atmospheric particles have physiological toxicity affecting human health. This study investigates the compositional and morphological properties of the particulate matter smaller than 10 μm (PM₁₀) collected from five different monitoring stations in Chelyabinsk, Russia. We used scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) for the investigation of PM₁₀. In order to determine the possible sources of emissions of atmospheric particulate matter, a principal component analysis (PCA) was performed. The results revealed the presence of atmospheric PM_10, such as aluminosilicates, calcium particles, sulfates, and metallic particles differentiated on the basis of the chemical composition and morphological parameters. Sulfate PM₁₀ with metal inclusions contained Mn, Ti, Zn, Cu, and Cr. It obtained a higher content of potentially toxic elements in traffic-related S-rich particles compared with industrial-related PM₁₀. It was the result of the solubilization of metals in airborne particles and increased toxicity. We obtained new coatings based on titanium nanooxide synthesized by the peroxy method for air purification from PM_2.5 and PM₁₀. They were macroporous and very effective means against industrial dust and PM air pollution.