TiO2 is a strategically important raw material that provides novel self-cleaning solutions, however, the TiO2 industry is still in the development, and to improve the added value of these products increasing research and development investment and vigorously pushing forward the innovation is required. Today, Japan is the world's leading pioneer in photocatalytic nanomaterials research, development, and commercialization for self-cleaning applications. Additionally, these types of coatings have been applied to many hospitals and buildings in Asia and Europe to protect their exterior. This nanotechnology can potentially open up new markets in the Unites States. Additionally, planetary protection is the practice of protecting solar system bodies from contamination by terrestrial biological organisms, and the Earth from possible organisms that may be returned from other solar system bodies. Planetary protection is essential to preserve our ability to study other worlds as they exist in their natural states as well as to ensure that the Earth is protected. NASA maintains a Planetary Protection Policy and administers procedures to ensure compliance. The NASA Office of Planetary Protection is interested in practical cost-effective methods to implement planetary protection objectives that are aligned with proposed NASA missions, programs and activities; as such, photocatalytic coatings could transform the way planetary protection is approached.
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