Using Nano- and Micro-Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) in Concrete to Reduce Air Pollution

Authors: Hala N. Elia, Anindya Ghosh, Amin k. Akhnoukh, and Zeid A. Nima

Publication: J Nanomed Nanotechnol, Volume 9 • Issue 3 • 1000505

Abstract:

A crucial element in construction, tunnels, roads, and more, concrete has become one of the most important materials in the world. At the same time, air pollution, particularly in crowded cities, is increasing, mainly due to industrial activity and transportation. Therefore, one possible approach to reduce pollution is to use “smart” construction materials, particularly those that incorporate photocatalytic active nano- and micro-size structures into concrete. Incorporating titanium dioxide (TiO2) in roads and pavements could degrade and reduce various pollutants under ultraviolet sun radiation. TiO2-infused concrete would also maintain its optical characteristics for far longer than traditional concrete mix. This study evaluated the ability of concrete containing nano- and micro-TiO2
to degrade organic molecules, as assessed by the concrete’s ability to degrade Rhodamine B dye. The amount of nano- and micro-TiO2
in the concrete samples was 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15% of the cement composition. The resulting concrete blocks were exposed to sunlight
for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Both the nano- and micro-TiO2 significantly degraded the Rhodamine B dye, demonstrating the potential of this approach to benefit the smart construction industry and, as a result, fight certain types of air pollution

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