Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 5, 2026

11:47
The Effect of Interfacial Chemical Bonding in TiO2-SiO2 Composites on Their Photocatalytic NOx Abatement Performance
Published on: July 4, 2017
13.9K
TiO2-based Photocatalytic Cementitious Composites: Materials, Properties, Influential Parameters, and Assessment
Fatemeh Hamidi1, Farhad Aslani2,3
1Materials and Structures Innovation Group, School of Engineering, University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, WA, Australia. Fatemeh.Hamidi.Technosa@outlook.com.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 17, 2019
Summary
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) in cement enhances building durability and reduces pollution. This review explores TiO2 photocatalysis in cement for self-cleaning and air-purifying applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Heterogeneous photocatalysis using semiconductor particles in cement-based materials is gaining traction for improving building aesthetics and reducing environmental pollution.
- Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a preferred semiconductor due to its cost-effectiveness, stability, and non-toxicity.
- Incorporating TiO2 into cementitious composites can significantly lower urban pollutant concentrations, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx).
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of TiO2-based photocatalysis in cement technology.
- To discuss the practical applications of photocatalytic cement.
- To identify research gaps for advancing cementitious materials with photocatalytic properties.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on TiO2 photocatalysis in cement.
- Analysis of studies on the application of TiO2 in cementitious composites.
- Synthesis of findings on self-cleaning, antimicrobial, and air-purifying properties.
Main Results:
- TiO2-based cementitious materials demonstrate effectiveness in self-cleaning, antimicrobial functions, and air purification.
- Applications include self-cleaning buildings, antimicrobial surfaces, and air-purifying structures.
- TiO2's properties make it suitable for integration into construction materials.
Conclusions:
- TiO2-based photocatalysis offers a promising approach for developing advanced cementitious materials.
- Further research is needed to address existing gaps and optimize performance.
- Advancements in this field can lead to more sustainable and healthier built environments.
Related Concept Videos
Hydration of Cement
738
Hydration of cement is a chemical reaction between cement particles and water. This process occurs primarily through two mechanisms: through-solution and topochemical. In the through-solution process, anhydrous compounds dissolve into their constituents, hydrates form in the solution, and then precipitate from the supersaturated solution. The topochemical process involves solid-state reactions at the cement particle surface. The through-solution process dominates the topochemical process at the...
738
Types of Cement I
316
Portland cement comes in several types, each with distinct properties and applications based on their chemical composition and hydration characteristics:
Type I (Ordinary Portland Cement) is widely used for general construction where special properties are not required. It has moderate sulfate resistance and heat of hydration.
Type II (Modified Cement) offers moderate resistance to sulfate attack and a lower rate of heat development compared to Type I. It is suitable for structures in...
Type I (Ordinary Portland Cement) is widely used for general construction where special properties are not required. It has moderate sulfate resistance and heat of hydration.
Type II (Modified Cement) offers moderate resistance to sulfate attack and a lower rate of heat development compared to Type I. It is suitable for structures in...
316
Types of Cement II
352
Portland blast-furnace cement is made by blending Portland cement clinker with granulated blast-furnace slag, which accounts for 25 to 65 percent of the cement's weight. Despite its similarities to ordinary Portland (Type I) cement in terms of fineness and setting times, its early strength is lower, though it achieves comparable strength later on. It's particularly suited for mass concrete structures and marine environments due to its lower heat of hydration and superior sulfate...
352
Fineness of Cement
426
The fineness of cement directly influences the rate of hydration, as the hydration begins at the surface of the cement particles. In addition to hydration, the fineness of cement is vital for various properties of concrete including workability, gypsum requirement, and long-term behavior. The fineness of cement is represented in terms of the specific surface of cement which is typically measured in square meters per kilogram, with several methods available for this determination.
Direct...
Direct...
426
Portland Cement
556
Portland cement is the essential binding ingredient in concrete, made from finely ground materials including lime, iron, silica, and alumina. Lime is derived primarily from limestone, marble, marl, seashells, and clays, which also supply iron and alumina, while silica is sourced from sand, chalk, and bauxite. Contemporary manufacturing of Portland cement is a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions, prompting research into reducing its content in concrete through alternative...
556
Porosity in Cement Paste
412
The porosity of concrete is a measure of the void spaces within its structure. These spaces impact its strength and durability significantly. When water and cement interact, a chemical reaction called hydration creates a semi-solid paste. This paste includes combined water, making up approximately 23% of the cement's dry mass, and gel water, which fills minuscule voids known as gel pores, accounting for about 28% of the cement gel volume.
The balance of water to cement in the mix is...
The balance of water to cement in the mix is...
412

