Self-cleaning durability assessment of TiO2/SiO2 photocatalysts coated concrete: Effect of indoor and outdoor conditions on the photocatalytic activity

A self-cleaning nanostructured TiO2 coating has demonstrated the capacity to mitigate undesired effects from air pollution. Not only it reduces the deterioration of building materials but may also prevent certain pollution-related human health problems. In this study, mesoporous TiO2/SiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized in order to produce self-cleaning and long-lasting coatings that meet the necessary requirements for outdoor applications. The synthesized products were sprayed on concrete substrates and their self-cleaning and air depolluting capabilities were evaluated. The former one as a function of methylene blue (MB) and soot degradation and the latter, according to nitrogen oxides reduction. The coatings proved to have high photocatalytic activity, and their efficiency was enhanced as TiO2 loadings were increased. Thus, after the first 60 min of their irradiation by UV–vis light, the photocatalysts ST1 and S4T had removed 79% and 95% of the MB, respectively. These coatings presented particulate surfaces that provided more surface area and porosity, which are key factors for a high photocatalytic activity. Moreover, the same samples after 104 h of irradiation exhibited 38% and 49% conversion of total NO, respectively. While E503, a commercially available photocatalyst, produced coating cracked surfaces and a total MB degradation of just 50% after 60 min of irradiation as well as 35% of NO conversion after 104 h of irradiation. The TiO2/SiO2 coatings’ photocatalytic efficacy remained practically invariable after four months of exposure to real-life conditions and three MB degradation cycles. After the outdoor durability tests, the coated surfaces exhibited a practically unchanged structure, which confirms their long-lasting efficiency. [Display omitted] •TiO2/SiO2 coatings with self-cleaning and air de-pollution properties were developed.•The efficiency of the synthesized products enhanced with the amount of TiO2 added, 95% of MB was removed by S4T after 60 min of irradiation.•Coatings retained their structure and effectiveness after durability testing in indoor and outdoor conditions.•The obtained results encourage the use of these products as coatings for the preservation of building materials.