Photocatalytic roof coating for carbon capture and soil enrichment
Innovative rooftop coating with Bi-based photocatalysts converts CO2 into formate, enhancing soil health and enabling carbon credit generation. Designed for commercial roofs, it offers a scalable, low-maintenance solution for reducing carbon footprints.
Overview
The photocatalytic roof coating developed by Monash University represents a breakthrough in sustainable building technology. By applying a durable coating containing Bi-based heterojunction photocatalysts onto existing commercial roofs, this solution actively reduces atmospheric CO2 into water-soluble formate under sunlight. This conversion not only helps in reducing the carbon footprint of buildings but also enriches surrounding soils when rainwater washes the formate away, supporting microbial activity and healthy carbon cycling. Additionally, this method provides a unique opportunity for buildings to generate revenue through carbon credits, as the CO2 removal is quantifiable and scalable.
Technical specifications
- Photocatalyst Composition: Utilizes Bi-based heterojunction photocatalysts, specifically targeting BiVO4 for its high visible-light activity and stability.
- Compatibility: Designed to be applied over existing single-ply roofing membranes such as EPDM, TPO, and PVC without structural alterations.
- Environmental Interaction: Dilute formate runoff enriches soils as a biodegradable organic carbon, promoting microbial health and carbon cycling.
- Durability: Undergoing rigorous testing for adhesion, flexibility, and chemical compatibility with common roofing materials.
Technology readiness level
This innovative roofing technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level 9, indicating it has been validated through extensive testing and is ready for commercial deployment. The solution is undergoing final trials to confirm environmental benefits and practical performance in real-world conditions.
About Monash University, Melbourne
Monash University is a comprehensive public research university and one of Australia’s largest, known for scale, interdisciplinarity, and an applied orientation. Its Melbourne-based technology precinct brings together university laboratories, pilot-scale and prototyping suites, and company R&D groups alongside government research organizations to enable co-development and rapid iteration. Integration with a major hospital network supports clinical trials and translation, while structured industry placements and doctoral partnerships create a robust talent pipeline for corporate R&D. Research is backed by competitive funding from the Australian Research Council, the National Health and Medical Research Council, and state and federal programs that incentivize industry collaboration. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation, with pathways to incubation and investment within the precinct.
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