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Enhanced photocatalytic activities of TiO2–SiO2 nanohybrids immobilized on cement-based materials for dye degradation

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Abstract

Using cement-based material as a matrix for photocatalytic hybrids is an important development for the large-scale application of photocatalytic technologies. In this work, photocatalytic activity of nanosized hybrids of TiO2/SiO2 (nano-TiO2–SiO2) for degradation of some organic dyes on cementitious materials was highlighted. For this purpose, an optimal inorganic sol–gel precursor was firstly applied to prepare the composites of nano-TiO2–SiO2 which was characterized by XRD, SEM and UV–Vis. Then, a thin layer was successfully coated on white Portland cement (WPC) blocks using a dipping process in a nano-TiO2–SiO2 solution. The effect of nano-TiO2–SiO2-coated WPC blocks on photocatalytic decomposition of three dyes, including Malachite green oxalate (MG), Methylene blue (MB) and Methyl orange (MO) were studied under UV irradiation and monitored by chemical oxygen demand tests. The results showed an increase in photocatalytic effects which depends on the structure and pH of the applied cement.

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Acknowledgments

Financial support from the Iran University of Science and Technology is gratefully acknowledged.

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  1. Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 16844-13114, Narmak, Tehran, Iran

    Hoda Jafari & Shahrara Afshar

  2. Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia

    Omid Zabihi & Minoo Naebe

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  1. Hoda Jafari
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Jafari, H., Afshar, S., Zabihi, O. et al. Enhanced photocatalytic activities of TiO2–SiO2 nanohybrids immobilized on cement-based materials for dye degradation. Res Chem Intermed 42, 2963–2978 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11164-015-2190-3

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