Nanotechnology in Paint: Coppe Develops Solar-Activated Self-Cleaning Coating
Planeta COPPE / Interdisciplinary areas / Nanotechnology Engineering / News
Date: 10/06/2025

Imagine a Paint That Doesn’t Just Color Surfaces It Cleans Itself with Sunlight — No washing, no constant maintenance. Researchers at Coppe are pioneering this breakthrough with a new generation of self-cleaning paint based on advanced nanotechnology.
Unlike existing commercial formulas, which rely on conventional titanium dioxide (TiO₂) particles, Coppe’s team is using TiO₂ nanowires—elongated structures thousands of times thinner than a human hair. These nanowires form a highly reactive 3D network within the paint, dramatically boosting sunlight absorption and the efficiency of the self-cleaning process.
“Nanotechnology gives this paint revolutionary properties. We’re talking enhanced durability, longer lifespan, and functionalities like self-cleaning, antimicrobial action, thermal regulation, magnetism, self-healing, and optical effects,” explains Felipe Anchieta, a Ph.D. candidate in Coppe’s Nanotechnology Engineering Program (PENt).
How the Technology Works
The innovation lies not just in the formula but in performance. When exposed to sunlight, the painted surface activates the TiO₂ nanowires, generating free radicals—highly reactive compounds that chemically break down accumulated dirt, soot, and pollutants. Unlike conventional self-cleaning paints that merely repel impurities, Coppe’s paint destroys them chemically, keeping surfaces clean far longer.
And it doesn’t compromise aesthetics or application: the paint retains the color, texture, and usability of conventional products—with cutting-edge technology built in.
A New Benchmark for the Industry
While nanotechnology in paint isn’t new (e.g., Rome’s Jubilee Church facade), Coppe’s research stands out due to the particle shape. The nanowires capture more light, produce more free radicals, and reinforce the coating’s structure, ensuring not just self-cleaning but superior durability.
Another breakthrough is the study of the ideal nanowire dosage, balancing functionality and longevity. The team is validating the technology in real-world conditions—running long-term tests across different environments and climates—while developing a scalable process for industrial production.
If results hold, this paint could revolutionize sustainability in construction—slashing maintenance costs, saving water, and reducing chemical use.
With this innovation, Coppe reaffirms its role as a leader in applied research, proving how nanotechnology can turn everyday materials into smart, sustainable solutions for the urban challenges of tomorrow.