Protection of Structural Buildings Against Dirt Adsorption: Photoactive Cements vs. Photoactive Coating

In this study, TiO₂ nanoparticles (Aeroxide P25) and synthesized TiO₂/SiO₂ nanocomposite were used to provide a photoactive concrete and water based acrylic façade coatings. For this purpose, TiO₂ nanoparticles (1 wt%) were loaded into a mixture of cement and sand (weight ratio 5:12) compared to acrylic coatings containing either 1 wt% Aeroxide P25 or synthesized TiO₂/SiO₂ nanoparticles. Photo-catalyst activity of the nanoparticles embedded samples was evaluated by color data measurements of photo-degradation of rhodamine B dyestuff implemented on the sample’s surface, during exposure to the sun light for 18 days. The results showed that in spite of improving photo-activity of acrylic coatings using TiO₂/SiO₂ nano-composites, the highest photo-activity arised from concrete loaded by commercial TiO₂ nanoparticles.