Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Compounds on TiO2-Photocatalyst-Coated Concrete Surfaces

This study investigates the photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds on TiO2-coated concrete paving cubes, with a focus on their potential for environmental remediation in urban settings. The TiO2 P25 coating significantly enhanced the photocatalytic activity of the concrete surface, enabling effective degradation of model pollutants such as methylene blue. Various application methods were evaluated, including surface coating with and without impregnation, and bulk incorporation of TiO2 into the concrete matrix. Surface properties were assessed using contact angle measurements and absorption tests. Among all tested variants, the surface-coated and impregnated sample (SURF-IMP) showed the highest photocatalytic efficiency, achieving over 67% pollutant degradation. This variant also demonstrated the lowest water absorption and the highest contact angle, confirming improved surface hydrophobicity. In contrast, the bulk-modified sample (MIX) exhibited weaker performance due to limited surface accessibility of TiO2 particles. These findings highlight the importance of the application method in optimizing the performance of TiO2-functionalized concrete. The developed system offers a practical approach to integrating photocatalytic properties into paving materials for applications such as air purification, surface decontamination, and sustainable urban infrastructure.