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Edav Nomad · 08-22-2008, 10:56 PM

Medieval stained-glass windows colored in gold nanoparticles help purify air when lit by the sun, a new study finds.

"For centuries people appreciated only the beautiful works of art, and long life of the colors, but little did they realize that these works of art are also, in modern language, photocatalytic air purifier with nanostructured gold catalyst," said Zhu Huai Yong, a material scientist at the Queensland University of Technology.

When energized by the sun, tiny gold particles can destroy certain airborne pollutants. These pollutants, called volatile organic compounds, create the "new" smell often detected in new furniture, carpets and paint in good condition. Even in small amounts, these compounds, like methanol and carbon monoxide, are not good for your health.

An electromagnetic field generated by sunlight couples with the gold electrons' oscillations to create a resonance, said Zhu. The magnetic field of the gold nanoparticles can expand up to hundred times, breaking apart the pollutant molecules.

Gold-Plated Church Windows Purify Air - Yahoo! News

08-22-2008, 10:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
Edav Nomad Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: L.A. (Lower Alabama) Posts: 2,609 SL Join Date: June 12, 2003 XBOX Leaderboard: 3^rd My Mood:	Gold-Plated Chuch Windows Purify Air Medieval stained-glass windows colored in gold nanoparticles help purify air when lit by the sun, a new study finds. "For centuries people appreciated only the beautiful works of art, and long life of the colors, but little did they realize that these works of art are also, in modern language, photocatalytic air purifier with nanostructured gold catalyst," said Zhu Huai Yong, a material scientist at the Queensland University of Technology. When energized by the sun, tiny gold particles can destroy certain airborne pollutants. These pollutants, called volatile organic compounds, create the "new" smell often detected in new furniture, carpets and paint in good condition. Even in small amounts, these compounds, like methanol and carbon monoxide, are not good for your health. An electromagnetic field generated by sunlight couples with the gold electrons' oscillations to create a resonance, said Zhu. The magnetic field of the gold nanoparticles can expand up to hundred times, breaking apart the pollutant molecules. Gold-Plated Church Windows Purify Air - Yahoo! News __________________ "Please do not nuzzle the instrument of my vengeance." - Rok'tar

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