Visible light induced water detoxification through Portland cement composites reinforced with photocatalytic filler: A leap away from TiO2

• Visible light active photocatalytic filler (PCF) has been proposed that can be readily reinforced in the cementitious material.
• Wide spectra of solar light irradiation could be utilized for degradation of organic pollutant.
• PCF was synthesized using one-step hydrothermal process.
• XRD, SEM and UV-visible spectrophotometer were employed.
• High reaction rate constant could be achieved for various pellets.

Present study discusses the performance of visible light active photocatalytic filler (PCF) immobilized in Portland cement for xanthene dye degradation. The PCF, based on BaTiO3 and reduced graphene oxide was prepared using one step hydrothermal process. It was reinforced in cement matrix in differing quantities to obtain 5%, 10% and 20% PCF by weight mixtures (dry). Various characterization techniques including X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and UV-visible spectrophotometer were employed to affirm the morphology, composition and photocatalytic performance of cement and PCF composites. High reaction rate constant of 0.0080 min−1, 0.0013 min−1 and 0.0015 min−1 could be achieved for pellets with 5%, 10% and 20% photocatalytic filler, respectively. Experimental investigations clearly exhibited that incorporation of PCF could readily impart ameliorated photocatalytic activity in such cement composites. Results revealed that dye degradation is function of PCF composite density on the effective surface area of the composites. The impact of incorporation of PCF on physical properties of cement has been discusses as well. In addition, the work presents a comparative analysis of the significant attempts that have been made in the same direction. The proposed approach offers an economic and feasible construction material which could greatly expedite the development and commercialization of functional photoactive buildings.

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