Development of TiO2–CaCO3 Based Composites as an Affordable Building Material for the Photocatalytic Abatement of Hazardous NOx from the Environment

Abstract

This study explores the depollution activity of a photocatalytic cementitious composite comprising various compositions of n-TiO2 and CaCO3. The photocatalytic activity of the CaCO3–TiO2 composite material is assessed for the aqueous photodegradation efficiency of MB dye solution and NOx under UV light exposure. The catalyst CaCO3–TiO2 exhibits the importance of an optimal balance between CaCO3 and n-TiO2 for the highest NOx removal of 60% and MB dye removal of 74.6%. The observed trends in the photodegradation of NOx removal efficiencies suggest a complex interplay between CaCO3 and TiO2 content in the CaCO3–n-TiO2 composite catalysts. This pollutant removal efficiency is attributed to the synergistic effect between CaCO3 and n-TiO2, where a higher percentage of n-TiO2 appeared to enhance the photocatalytic activity. It is recommended that CaCO3–TiO2 photocatalysts are effectiveness in water and air purification, as well as for being cost-effective construction materials.