LOTOS and Gdańsk University of Technology will create ecological asphalts | Gdańsk University of Technology

The ‘Ecological asphalts’ project was created in response to the challenges posed by air pollution in Polish cities. Concerned about the health of their inhabitants, the research consortium has started work on an innovative asphalt pavement modified with a photocatalyst, the use of which is to ultimately reduce the content of harmful substances (NOX, VOC) in the area of road lanes.

– One of the strategic goals of LOTOS is the development of innovative solutions building the Polish economy - emphasizes Zofia Paryła, acting President of the Management Board of Grupa LOTOS. – The project developed together with Gdańsk University of Technology, which also touches upon the environmental aspect, perfectly meets these assumptions – she adds.

– Photocatalytic air purification systems are currently one of the most dynamically developing technologies, but they are not without flaws and imperfections –says Anna Zielińska-Jurek, GUT professor from the Department of Process Engineering and Chemical Technology at the Faculty of Chemistry, who coordinates the project on behalf of the university. – Our technology is based on innovative hybrid photocatalysts, which ensure a higher reduction of NOx concentration in asphalt under the influence of solar radiation, and additionally enable the degradation of carcinogenic organic compounds into simple and harmless inorganic compounds.

– Currently, no road surface with such functionality is available on the market - adds prof. Piotr Jaskuła from the Department of Road Engineering FCEE, who also participates in the project.

Innovative projects of LOTOS and Gdańsk University of Technology

The joint concept of LOTOS Asfalt and Gdańsk University of Technology was highly appreciated by experts from the National Center for Research and Development. Out of over 55 projects submitted under the Intelligent Development Operational Program, it was classified in 6th place, receiving a positive decision on funding. The value of the project is over PLN 5 million, of which approximately 65 percent will come from European funds.

– Due to the fact that street surfaces in cities are in over 90 percent asphalt, such a solution may improve the quality of life of their inhabitants in the future - says Cezary Godziuk, President of the Management Board of LOTOS Asfalt. – Innovations, especially in the field of ecological technologies, are the foundation of our company's development. Therefore, in this matter, we focus on close cooperation with such a renowned scientific partner, as Gdańsk University of Technology.

LOTOS has been cooperating with GUT for many years. A year ago, as part of a larger consortium, both entities initiated works on the development of technology allowing to reduce the costs of roads construction and improve their durability (the program ‘Optimization of the asphalt road surface structure thanks to the use of modified bitumens’). Earlier, in March last year, Grupa LOTOS and GUT signed agreements for cooperation on research and development projects in the area of low-emission transport and energy storage. Moreover, LOTOS employees have been conducting lectures and didactic classes at the university for some years now, and students participate in activities on the premises of the refinery.