Since 2008, the Functional Ceramics working group, headed by Prof. Dr. Jan Werner, has been working on the topic of pollutant degradation in water (e.g. humic substances, drug residues) and air (e.g. NOx, VOC) on coated surfaces (glass, ceramics, stainless steel, etc.) by means of photocatalysis. For this purpose, the FGK has the appropriate test equipment to prove photocatalytic functionality, such as a special reactor to measure NOx degradation, for example on façade elements, according to corresponding national and international standards. Furthermore, due to its material science orientation, the FGK has proven to be a competent partner in the functional upgrading of ceramic surfaces in industry. The focus of the FGK as a member of the Photocatalysis Working Committee in the Standards Committee for Materials Testing (NMP) of DIN on the further development of the testing methods has led to the development of corresponding reference materials for testing.
As the latest step, a cooperation project within the framework of the Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) has started at the beginning of 2022, in which FGK, together with a ceramic producer and n-tec GmbH, a competent partner in the field of functional upgrading of ceramic surfaces, has set itself the goal of developing a durable, pollutant-removing, antibacterial and antiviral surface that can be produced in-situ in the usual ceramic process flow. Within this framework, FGK will incorporate its expertise in ceramic process technology and process control from the silicate ceramics working group to develop an innovative process-integrated solution. The project has a duration of 2 years.
