Photocatalytic concrete/cement - how does it function and possible product areas

Abstract: Concrete is one of our most important and most widely used building material but the process of making concrete causes major environmental pressures. Concrete can also look dirty and boring with age, but some regard that the aging effects caused by algae and mosses provide a beautiful patina. Concrete has come a long way in its development and after many years of research a new innovative method in material science has shown that by using nanotechnology to cement-based materials such as concrete structures, mortar, paint, pavement, etc., a photocatalytic effect is given. Photocatalytic technique has been applied for about 10 years in various materials forself-cleaning and in recent years, particularly an air-cleaning effect. The self-cleaning effect allows particularly exposed surfaces to retain their aesthetic appearance over the years and protects it against moss, algae, pollution and also against graffiti. The air-cleaning effect may be the more interesting feature from an environmental and health point of view. The air-cleaning effect can lead to significantly improving the air quality in heavily trafficked areas, especially in terms of the reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx concentration in the air. The photocatalytic concrete can thus become an important cog in solving environmental and health problems as well as helping to reduce levels of air pollution arising from heavily trafficked areas. The report is a brief literature review on the subject photocatalytic concrete.