International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 03 | Mar 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF SUSTAINABLE PHOTOCATALYTIC CONCRETE: EVALUATING TITANIUM DIOXIDE AND ZINC OXIDE. Dr B V Mathew1, Krishnapriya S, Chithranjali CJ, Rohith R4, 5, Roshan KK6 1 Head of the Dept, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology, Kerala, India.
2Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology, Kerala, India. 3UG Scholar, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology, Kerala, India. 4UG Scholar, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology, Kerala, India.
5UG Scholar, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology, Kerala, India. 6UG Scholar, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology, Kerala, India.
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large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere. However, recent advancements in sustainable construction materials, such as photocatalytic concrete, have the potential to revolutionize the way we approach urban development, making it more ecofriendly and efficient. By assessing the effects of two widely used photocatalytic agents—zinc oxide (ZnO) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂)—on the concrete's capacity to break down pollutants, enhance air quality, and preserve its mechanical qualities over time, this study focuses on the performance analysis of sustainable photocatalytic concrete.
Sustainable construction materials play a crucial role in mitigating environmental challenges. This study evaluates the photocatalytic efficiency and mechanical performance of Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) in cementitious composites. A total of 72 concrete cubes with 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% TiO₂ and ZnO were prepared and subjected to compression tests, photocatalytic efficiency analysis, and air purification assessments. The results indicate that TiO₂ has superior photocatalytic properties, whereas ZnO contributes to enhanced mechanical strength. This study highlights the potential application of these materials in sustainable construction for air purification and self-cleaning functionalities. By integrating these photocatalytic materials into cementitious composites, the built environment can actively contribute to pollutant degradation and improve urban air quality. Future work should focus on optimizing material composition to maximize efficiency and costeffectiveness for commercial construction. Further investigation is necessary to assess the economic implications of large-scale application and to analyze the long-term sustainability of these materials under different environmental conditions.
Using light energy to speed up a chemical reaction that converts poisonous compounds into non-toxic ones is known as photocatalysis. Particularly TiO₂ is well known for having potent photocatalytic qualities that are triggered by ultraviolet (UV) light. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are produced as a result of this activation, have the ability to break down a variety of dangerous contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulfur oxides (SOx), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Similar environmental advantages can be obtained by including zinc oxide (ZnO), another strong photocatalytic material, into concrete. ZnO also exhibits promise in the degradation of contaminants. By decreasing air pollution, the addition of these components to concrete improves the structural qualities of the material while also improving the environmental quality of urban areas.The hunt for novel materials that can solve these issues has been fueled by the growing worries about air quality, particularly in urban areas. A possible answer is provided by the combination of concrete and photocatalytic compounds. The concentration of NOx in the air, a primary cause of smog and acid rain, may be decreased by concrete surfaces treated with photocatalytic chemicals. Concrete surfaces coated with ZnO or TiO₂ react with sunshine to break down nitrogen oxides in the air and transform them into innocuous chemicals like nitrates. In addition to improving air quality, this procedure helps reduce the urban heat island effect, which is the phenomenon
Key Words: Photocatalytic concrete, titanium dioxide (TiO₂), zinc oxide (ZnO), sustainable construction materials, self-cleaning properties, nano-engineered concrete, UV-activated materials, green infrastructure, environmental remediation, smart concrete technology, advanced cementitious composites, ecofriendly construction.
1. INTRODUCTION As the global population continues to urbanize, cities face increasingly complex environmental challenges, particularly with regards to air pollution, energy consumption, and the urban heat island effect. Concrete, as one of the most widely used construction materials in urban infrastructure, has a significant environmental
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