Versatile photocatalytic functions of self-compacting architectural glass mortars and their inter-relationship

• Published in: Materials & design 2015-12, Vol.88, p.1260-1268
• Main Authors: Guo, Ming-Zhi, Maury-Ramirez, Anibal, Poon, Chi Sun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anti-algae fouling; Anti-bacteria; Cements; Coating; Degradation; Mortars; Paints; Photocatalysis; Photocatalytic NOx removal; Protective coatings; Rhodamine B degradation; Titanium dioxide; Xylene degradation
• ISSN: 0264-1275; 1873-4197
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2015.09.133

Interests in the combined use of titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyts with cementitious materials to produce functional cement based photocatalytic products (PCP) have attracted increasing research attention. However, an effective method to obtain a high photocatalytic efficiency, thus multiple photocatalytic functions, is in strong demand. This study investigated the strategy of directly applying a TiO2 containing paint on the surface of self-compacting architectural mortars (SCAM). For comparison, 5% TiO2-intermixed SCAM samples were also prepared. The results showed that the TiO2 coated SCAM sample displayed a high photocatalytic NOx and xylene removal ability under UV-A and Sunlight irradiation conditions. In contrast, 5% TiO2-intermixed samples only achieved a significantly lower NOx removal efficiency, and failed to degrade xylene. In addition, the TiO2 coating on the SCAM surface also demonstrated a high rhodamine B (RhB) degradation ability. Moreover, a total inactivation of Escherichia coli was observed after 120min UVA irradiation for the TiO2 coated SCAM. Whereas, the 5% TiO2-intermixed SCAM only exhibited a negligible E. coli killing activity. All the architectural mortar samples were found to have a low bioreceptivity. Overall, the TiO2 coated SCAM has the potential to be used as environmentally-friendly products for air-purifying, bactericidal and self-cleaning applications. [Display omitted] •The paint coated sample was superior to the 5% TiO2-intermixed mortar in NOx removal.•The paint coated mortar had a high efficiency in xylene and dye degradation.•Total bacteria inactivation was achieved by the paint coated sample exposed to UV-A.•Antibacterial activities are more closely related with organic matter degradation.