Development of Eco-Friendly Green Tea Extract and TiO₂-Based Photocatalytic Paint for Indoor Air Purification
Yoonseo Lee
Chadwick International, Incheon, South Korea
Publication date: May 31, 2025
Chadwick International, Incheon, South Korea
Publication date: May 31, 2025
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC2025I13
ABSTRACT
Indoor air pollution from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by conventional wall paints poses significant health risks, including respiratory irritation and neurological effects. This study aimed to develop an eco-friendly, water-based paint formulation integrating green tea extract (GE), rich in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles to reduce VOC emissions. The GE was prepared by extracting 5% green tea powder in distilled water, then blended at an optimal concentration of 2.5% with commercial white paint and 0.5 g of TiO₂ nanoparticles. Color stability analysis confirmed the 2.5% GE concentration preserved the paint’s white appearance while imparting VOC-reducing functionality. VOC emissions were measured in a mini indoor chamber over 60 minutes using VOC sensors, comparing paint-only controls with the GE–TiO₂-enhanced paint applied to paper and wood surfaces. Results showed that the GE–TiO₂ formulation reduced VOC levels by approximately 25% on paper and up to 50% on wood, demonstrating statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05). These reductions are attributed to the photocatalytic degradation by TiO₂ and the antioxidative adsorption properties of catechins in GE. This study highlights the potential of combining plant-derived antioxidants with photocatalytic nanomaterials to create sustainable, aesthetically stable indoor paints that improve air quality.
Indoor air pollution from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by conventional wall paints poses significant health risks, including respiratory irritation and neurological effects. This study aimed to develop an eco-friendly, water-based paint formulation integrating green tea extract (GE), rich in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles to reduce VOC emissions. The GE was prepared by extracting 5% green tea powder in distilled water, then blended at an optimal concentration of 2.5% with commercial white paint and 0.5 g of TiO₂ nanoparticles. Color stability analysis confirmed the 2.5% GE concentration preserved the paint’s white appearance while imparting VOC-reducing functionality. VOC emissions were measured in a mini indoor chamber over 60 minutes using VOC sensors, comparing paint-only controls with the GE–TiO₂-enhanced paint applied to paper and wood surfaces. Results showed that the GE–TiO₂ formulation reduced VOC levels by approximately 25% on paper and up to 50% on wood, demonstrating statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05). These reductions are attributed to the photocatalytic degradation by TiO₂ and the antioxidative adsorption properties of catechins in GE. This study highlights the potential of combining plant-derived antioxidants with photocatalytic nanomaterials to create sustainable, aesthetically stable indoor paints that improve air quality.
