Influence of Coarse Aggregate Exposure on Air Purification Efficiency in Photocatalytic Cement Composites

Abstract

This study investigated how the surface characteristics of photocatalytic cementitious composites influenced the effectiveness of air purification from nitrogen oxides (NOx), with a particular focus on the impact of coarse aggregate exposure on the photoactive surface. Air purification efficiency tests were conducted using a custom-developed procedure that simulated NOx concentrations and UV irradiance typical of autumn and winter conditions in Warsaw, Poland. The findings revealed that the extent of exposed coarse aggregate on the photoactive surface significantly affected photocatalytic efficiency, reducing the overall NO removal rate by up to 50% compared to the reference value. The use of hydration retarders modified the surface characteristics of the photocatalytic cement matrix, enhancing its photoactive potential. The observed decline in photocatalytic efficiency in composites with exposed coarse aggregate was attributed to the coarse aggregate’s limited ability to retain nanometric photocatalyst particles, which reduced the overall TiO2 content in the composite’s near-surface layer. Nevertheless, cementitious composites incorporating a first-generation photocatalyst exhibited substantial photocatalytic activity, achieving NO removal rates of up to 340 µg/m2·h for non-exposed variants and up to 175 µg/m2·h for variants with exposed aggregate. These results demonstrated their functionality even under low-intensity UV-A irradiation (1 W/m2), making them suitable for environments with limited sunlight exposure.

Keywords

• cement composites
• concrete
• photocatalysis
• exposed aggregate
• air purification