Self-Cleaning Buildings to Fight Smog

bryan8m writes "Using technology already available for self-cleaning windows and bathroom tiles, scientists hope to paint up cities with materials that dissolve and wash away pollutants when exposed to sun and rain. The idea: UV rays hitting the titanium dioxide coated cement and concrete trigger a catalytic reaction that destroys the molecules of pollutants, including nitrogen oxides."

Comments

Re:Solar?

[jacksonj04]

OMGS you suggested nuclear die die planet killing scum!
[/sarcasm]

Seriously though, whilst I'm all in favour of nuclear it lacks a lot of public support.

A better idea would be to plant rooftop gardens, and hang cylindrical turbines off the sides of buildings. Cities act like big wind tunnels between tall buildings, cylindrical turbines could be used to turn this air into power for the building whilst the garden on the top helps buffer some of the pollution and generally make a nicer place.

Alternatively, make the centre of large cities pedestrian only.