Durability of Photocatalytic Cementitious Materials Exposed to Nitrogen Dioxide

광촉매 시멘트의 이산화질소 분해에 따른 내구성에 관한 연구

Photocatalytic cement is receiving attention due to its high oxidation power that oxidizes nitrogen oxides (NOx), thus contributing to clean atmospheric environment. However, there has not been a thorough investigation on durability of a parent material, cementitious material, as a result of photocatalytic reactions. In this study, durability of photocatalytic cementitious materials exposed to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) gas was examined. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles containing cement paste samples were exposed to cycles of NO₂ with UV light, followed by wetting and drying to simulate environmental condition. The surface of samples was characterized mechanically, chemically, and visually during the cycling. The results indicate that the photocatalytic efficiency decreased with continued NO₂ oxidation due to calcium carbonate formation. The pits found from SEM demonstrate that chemical deterioration have occurred, such as acid attack or leaching. In conclusion, the photocatalytic reactions and its product could alter cementitious materials chemically and mechanically which could further affect long-term durability.