Effect of TiO2 and fly ash on photocatalytic NOx abatement of engineered cementitious composites

Mingfeng Xu, Herek Clack, Tian Xia, Yi Bao, Kai Wu, Huisheng Shi, Victor Li

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Scopus citations

Abstract

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles have been incorporated in cementitious composites to achieve photocatalytic (PC) functions such as self-cleaning and air purifying functions. This study experimentally investigates the effect of TiO2 nanoparticles and fly ash on the nitrogen oxides (NOx) abatement rate and efficiency of Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) that has retained strain-hardening properties and tensile ductility. Emphasis is placed on understanding the fundamental mechanisms through research on the microstructures and chemical environment of the composite material. A first-order chemical reaction model is applied to analyze the PC reaction rate and residual NOx concentration. Test results indicate that the PC reaction rate and efficiency increase with the TiO2 content from 0 to 5%, and the fly ash to cement ratio from 0 to 2.2. Using the low-calcium fly ash further increases the PC reaction rate and efficiency. The microstructure change originated from different fly ash contents and types are closely related to PC efficiency changes. This study advances the fundamental knowledge for engineering the cementitious composites to achieve the optimal PC functions.

Original languageEnglish
Article number117559
JournalConstruction and Building Materials
Volume236
DOIs
StatePublished - 10 Mar 2020

Keywords

  • Air purifying
  • Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC)
  • Fly ash
  • Nitrogen oxides (NO) abatement
  • Photocatalytic
  • Titanium dioxide (TiO)

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