The addition of nanoparticles of titanium dioxide is used to optimize the rheological and mechanical properties of paints, but also to improve the quality of indoor air, thanks to their photo-catalytic properties. Laboratory studies conducted within the framework of the Labex Serenade have shown that these photocatalytic paints do degrade volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in indoor. These results confirm the interest of these wall coverings to improve the quality of indoor air through a self-cleaning and depolluting effect, without consuming energy. However, these same studies have shown that the matrix of paints can be degraded by photo-catalysis and thus release other VOCs into the atmosphere, and that the photocatalytic activity promotes the production hydroxyl radicals in indoor atmosphere. A field campaign was carried out in a real room and showed similar results.

As part of the SafeTiPaint 2 project, new paints will be developed and laboratory tests will be conducted to quantify VOC emissions and determine the photo-catalytic power of the new paints. The purpose of this postdoctoral work is, by numerical modelling, to understand the balance between the elimination and production of VOCs by paints, and to estimate the impact of these new paints on the indoor air quality.