Improvement of cement-based mortars by application of photocatalytic active TiaZnaAl nanocomposites

• Published in: Cement & concrete composites Vol. 36; pp. 121 - 127
• Main Authors: Vulic, T, Hadnadjev-Kostic, M, Rudic, O, Radeka, M, Marinkovic-Neducin, R, Ranogajec, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.02.2013
• Subjects: Cements; Coatings; Mortars; Nanocomposites; Pastes; Photocatalysis; Surface chemistry; Titanium dioxide
• ISSN: 0958-9465

Photocatalytic active TiO2 has been extensively applied in construction material science due to its ability to remove pollutants from material surfaces. New inorganicainorganic nanocomposite photocatalyst based on layered double hydroxides (LDHs) associated to TiO2 were introduced in order to increase the compatibility of photocatalyst with cement-based mortars. Different materials were prepared and characterized: cement paste with TiaZnaAl powder, mortar with cement paste finishing layer containing TiaZnaAl LDH and mortar with TiaZnaAl coatings. Degradation of methylene blue under UV light was selected as photocatalytic test reaction. The correlation between surface properties and photocatalytic activity was analyzed. The synergetic effect between TiO2 and ZnaAl-LDH contributes to pronounced photocatalytic performances, improving at the same time mortar performances as an important indicator of the compatibility of photocatalyst with mortar. The photocatalyst introduction procedure influences the active sites surface concentration, giving preference to surface coating method. However, introduction of photocatalyst into the bulk, having lower photocatalytic activity, results in an overall more stable system for prolonged application.