Photocatalytic activity of nanostructured TiO2-modified white cement

Abstract

In this study, the photocatalysis of Alphazurine FG as a model water pollutant, by white Portland cement samples modified with different TiO2 nanomaterials (TiO2 in the form of Degussa P25, Millennium PC500, Millennium PC105 and anatase-Merck), was investigated. The pseudo first-order rate constants of Alphazurine FG photocatalysis were compared with the degradation rate by unmodified cement sample. A significant enhancement of the photocatalytic activity due to the addition of TiO2 nanomaterials in the form of Degussa P25 to Portland cement was observed. The crystalline phase, average crystalline size and surface area of the photocatalyst were found to have a significant influence on the photocatalytic activity of the nanostructured TiO2-modified cement samples. The photocatalysis of Alphazurine FG in the presence of TiO2-P25/cement was experimentally studied through changing the UV light intensity and initial dye concentration. The electrical energy consumption of Alphazurine FG photocatalysis was estimated at different initial dye concentrations. The results open important perspective applications in the field of eco-friendly construction applications. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.