Photocatalytic activity of ZnO and TiO2 ‘nanoparticles’ for use in cement mixes

Commercial titanium and zinc nanoparticle suspensions were tested for use in self-cleaning and protection of built cement structures. The methylene blue decolorization test, assessment of activity against the fungus Cladosporium sp. in laboratory cultures, and accelerated testing for anti-fungal activity on gypsum panels all showed that the Zn particles were more effective than TiO2 (both at 4%). The commercial “nanoparticle” suspensions were...