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Abstract: The photocatalytic activity of a nano-anatase-containing paint has been studied. It was found that after a certain period of initial UV irradiation, the photocatalytic activity of such a paint significantly increases. To understand the underlying mechanisms, the pigment volume concentrations (PVCs) were varied in different ways, e.g. by varying the content of the inorganic filler, or by adjusting the content of the polymeric binder. The results were compared with the photocatalytic activity of a commercially available paint. The formulations which exhibit a good compromise between photocatalytic activity and other essential paint properties are discussed. The effect of relative humidity on the photocatalytic activity was also measured and is commented upon. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the process of protection and consolidation of valuable materials, the efficiency is the crucial property that needs to be considered. TiO2/ZnAl layered double hydroxide (LDH) coating and silicate- and carbonate-based consolidants were synthesized and proposed to be used for protection and consolidation of four porous mineral substrates: brick, stone, render and mortar. The photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2/ZnAl LDH coating, as well as consolidation efficiency of two consolidants, both applied on model substrates, were studied. The photocatalytic coating showed significant activity and performed well after the durability tests involving rinsing and freezing/thawing procedures. After treatment with both consolidants, a serious enhancement of consolidation of the used substrates was found. On the other hand, the application of TiO2/ZnAl LDH, as well as consolidants, caused negligible changes in the water vapour permeability values and in appearance of the porous mineral substrates, indicating a high level of compatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Surfactant-assisted anatase mesoporous TiO2 transparent films, along with P25 translucent films were successfully synthesized and deposited by dip-coating technique. Prepared films were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and N2 adsorption–desorption measurements. The hydrophilicity of films was assessed by water contact angle technique. The results revealed that the surfactant-assisted sol–gel films were homogeneous, crack-free, contained anatase phase only with small grain size, and showed an increase in BET surface area and wide range of pore size distribution compared to non-surfactant treated sample. The optical properties and photocatalytic activity of the films for an azo dye, Plasmocorinth B (PB) degradation were analyzed with UV–Vis spectrometer. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized anatase TiO2 films having high optical quality is comparable to the activity of reference commercial powder P25 films. Relevant results are presented and discussed as a function of the structure and morphology of coatings, which control enables a direct tailoring of the functional response. The high porosity, uniformity, transparency, reliability, photocatalytic activity, good adhesion with the substrate and the excellent performance under cycling operation displayed by surfactant-assisted anatase TiO2 coatings make it a good candidate to be considered in new emerging engineering applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]