This standard describes a method for assessing the performance of photocatalytic inorganic materials contained in cement mortars and/or limes or ceramic-based matrices, paints or materials deposited as thin films or coatings on a variety of substrates for the photocatalytic abatement of nitric oxide in the gas phase. This method is not suitable for the assessment of samples to be applied with flow perpendicular to the surface or flow permeating the surface itself as polymeric and paper filters, honeycomb structures and suchlike.

The performance for the photocatalytic sample under test is evaluated by measuring the degradation rate of nitric oxide (NO) using the method described herein. The photocatalytic abatement rate is calculated from the observed rate by eliminating the effects of mass transfer. The intrinsic photocatalytic abatement rate is an intrinsic property of the material tested and makes it possible to distinguish the photocatalytic activities of various products with an absolute scale defined with physical and engineering meaning.

For the measurements and calculations described in this standard the concentration of nitrogen oxides (NO_x) is defined as the stoichiometric sum of nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).

Safety statement

Persons using this document should be familiar with the normal laboratory practice, if applicable. This document cannot address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to ensure compliance with any regulatory conditions.

Environmental statement

It is understood that some of the material permitted in this standard may have negative environmental impact. As technological advantages lead to better alternatives for these materials, they will be eliminated from this standard to the extent possible.

At the end of the test, the user of the standard will take care to carry out an appropriate disposal of the wastes, according to local regulation.