What is BS EN 16980‑1 about?
BS EN 16980‑1 discusses photocatalysis. BS EN 16980‑1 specifies a method for assessing the performance of photocatalytic inorganic materials contained in cement mortars and/or limes or ceramic-based matrices, paints, or materials deposited as thin films or coatings on a variety of substrates for the photocatalytic abatement of nitric oxide in the gas phase.
Note: For the measurements and calculations described in BS EN 16980‑1, the concentration of nitrogen oxides (NOx) is defined as the stoichiometric sum of nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
Note: The method in BS EN 16980‑1 does not apply to the assessment of samples to be applied with flow perpendicular to the surface or flow permeating the surface itself as polymeric and paper filters, honeycomb structures, and suchlike.
Who is BS EN 16980‑1?
BS EN 16980‑1 on photocatalysis — continuous flow test methods is applicable to:
- Paint manufacturers
- Quality control personnel
- Paint suppliers
- Painters
Why should you use BS EN 16980‑1?
A photocatalytic reaction is a chemical reaction that takes place under the joint action of light and the photocatalyst. This technology possesses several advantages, including environmental protection, the complete degradation of pollutants, and no secondary pollution. BS EN 16980‑1 provides you with a method for the performance of the photocatalytic sample under test is evaluated by measuring the degradation rate of nitric oxide (NO).
In BS EN 16980‑1 the photocatalytic abatement rate is calculated from the observed rate by eliminating the effects of mass transfer. The intrinsic photocatalytic abatement rate is an intrinsic property of the material tested and makes it possible to distinguish the photocatalytic activities of various products with an absolute scale defined with physical and engineering meaning.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 16980‑1:2021 supersedes PD CEN/TS 16980‑1:2016. BS EN 16980‑1:2021 includes some technical changes with respect to PD CEN/TS 16980‑1:2016. These include:
- Addition of: “A sample illuminated surface area in m^2
- Deletion of: “CIN concentration at reactor inlet” and “Fv, I fan flow at ith potential
- Updated sentence: Samples shall be eventually preconditioned following the supplier advice
- Annex A: change of figure “Typical trend of NO, NO2 and NOx concentrations during a photocatalytic test at nominal fan speed”
- Annex B: change of figure “Typical trend of NO, NO2 and NOx concentrations during a photocatalytic test at nominal fan speed”.

