Elia, J Nanomed Nanotechnol 2018, 9:3 DOI: 10.4172/2157-7439.

1000505 
J Nanomed Nanotechnol, an open access journal ISSN: 2157-7439 

Journal of a n r u 
o 
J 

Nanomedicine & Nanotechnology 

Research Article Open Access 

Using Pollution 
Nano- and Micro-Titanium Dioxide (TiO 
2 

) in Concrete to Reduce Air 

Hala Elia* University of Arkansas at Little Rock, USA 
Abstract 
As  a  crucial  element  in  construction,  tunnels,  roads,  pavements,  and  more,  concrete  has  become  one  of  the  most  important 
materials  in  the  world.  At  the  same  time,  air  pollution,  particularly  in  crowded  cities,  is  increasing,  mainly  due  to  industrial 
activity  and  transportation.  Therefore,  one  possible  approach  to  fighting  pollution  is  the  use  of  “smart”  construction  materials, 
particularly  the  incorporation  of  photocatalytically  active  nano-  and  micro  structures  into  various  concrete.  pollutants 
Incorporating under ultraviolet titanium radiation. dioxide The (TiO 
2 TiO ) for far longer than traditional concrete mix. This research concretion degradation of organic molecules, as assessed in 
roads and pavements could degrade and, as a result, reduce 
2 -infused presents by the concrete concrete’s an evaluation would ability also of nano- to maintain degrade and its micro-TiO 
Rhodamine optical characteristics 
2 
-incorporated B dye. We tested concrete for various periods 3, 6, 9, 12, and blocks 15% of time of with the (24, different cement 
48, 72, concentrations composition. and 96 hrs). The of The nano- results percentage and showed micro-TiO 
of nano- good 2 
in and degradation their micro-TiO structure, of 2 
used the exposing Rhodamine in this them research to B sunlight dye was by both nano- environmental and applications. 
micro-TiO 
2 
, demonstrating the potential of this approach towards smarted construction materials for 
Keywords: Environmental; Nanotechnology; Nanoparticle 

Introduction 
heat and light hit the concrete’s surface, down pollutants, such as NOx and VOCs, TiO 
2 changing 
uses this energy them Concrete is a vital building block of modern life, used in homes, roads, airports, skyscrapers, and more. In 
fact, it’s the most common synthetic structural material in the world, with almost three tons utilized per person every year [1]. 
The name itself, at its Latin root, means “to grow together,” referring to the process of mixing all of concrete’s components to 
create a solid from a liquid [2]. 
Unfortunately,  pollution  is  another  fact  of  modern  life.  The  Environmental  Protection  Agency  tracks  emissions  of  the most 
important  and  hazardous  air  pollutants  that  negatively  impact human health and the environment (carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur 
dioxide (SO 
2 
*Corresponding author: Hala Elia, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, USA, Tel: 5016837208; E-mail: 
ahmad.rao517@gmail.com 
Received: May 04, 2018; Accepted: May 31, 2018; Published: June 05, 2018 
Citation: Elia H (2018) Using Nano- and Micro-Titanium Dioxide (TiO 
2 
to break from the harmful phase to the harmless phase, as shown in Figure 2 [7]. 
In this study, we infused nanoscale to cause a photocatalytic reaction. We and microscale then measured TiO the 2 
efficiency in concrete of the particles to remove organic pollutants, based on their removal of Rhodamin B dye. 

Background 
Much of air pollution is caused by traffic; as a result, treating these impurities at the site of traffic makes logical sense. To do so, 
photocatalytic materials can be integrated into the surfaces of roads, buildings, and pavement. When activated by sunlight, these 
), particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOC), nitrogen 
photocatalytic materials oxidize different kinds of 
pollutants, which are oxides (NOx) and lead (Pb). All these air pollutants are increasing 
then precipitated on nearby surfaces and removed by 
rain or cleaning worldwide, particularly in crowded cities. As a result, certain health 
with water [10]. For example, research has shown that 
a thin surface problems are also increasing, such as cardiovascular disease and 
coating containing TiO 
2 increased severity of 
respiratory symptoms. Pollution can also affect the nervous system in a variety of ways (i.e., learning, memory, and behavior; IQ 
loss; cancer; and premature death) [2]. 
In  the  United  States,  we  are  facing  detrimental  air  pollution  from  automobile  emissions;  Figure  1  shows  other  common 
sources of air pollution. 
A  possible  solution  to  the  international  pollution  problem  is  the  use  of  “smart”  concrete  on  roads  that  is  infused  with 
materials that can break down and render harmless the air pollutants. One such material is titanium dioxide (TiO 
2 
and  placed  close  to  the  source  of  contamination  can  remove  a  significant  amount  of  NOx  and  VOC 
pollutants from the atmosphere. 
In one study, a single square was air per able day, to respectively remove NO 
[9-11]. X 
and VOC meter from of TiO 
about 2 
coating 200 under sunlight m3 and 60 m3of Prepare photocatalytic nanocomposite TiO deterioration 2 -SiO 
2 
system designed to coat caused by air pollutants. buildings in order to combat the Such a coating would be a non- invasive, 
affordable method to protect buildings against the effects of biological pollutants and smog. The photocatalytic activity of the 
). utilized annually in Approximately different materials 4 million such as tons of paints, plastics, TiO 
food, 
2 
are 
papers, be used inks, in different medicines, kinds toothpastes, of food, including and sunscreens milk, candy, [3-16]. pudding, 
TiO 2 
and can 
gum, to give them color and smooth texture; the U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies it as Generally Recognized as Safe 
(GRAS) [7]. Three forms of TiO 
2 
) in Concrete to Reduce Air Pollution. J Nanomed Nanotechnol 9: 505. doi: 10.4172/2157- particles exist: rutile, anatase, and 
brookite, 
7439.1000505 
with anatase has demonstrated particles becoming rutile at potential for use in fighting high pollution temperatures as an [7]. 
additive TiO 
2 
to concrete, with anatase TiO 
2 
having the best photoactivity [8]. When 
Copyright:  ©  2018  Elia  H.  This  is  an  open-access  article  distributed  under  the  terms  of  the  Creative  Commons  Attribution 
License,  which  permits  unrestricted  use,  distribution,  and  reproduction  in  any  medium,  provided  the  original  author and source 
are credited. 
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ISSN: 2157-7439 
 
) Citation: Elia H 10.4172/2157-7439.1000505 
(2018) Using Nano- and Micro-Titanium Dioxide (TiO 
2 
in Concrete to Reduce Air Pollution. J Nanomed Nanotechnol 9: 505. doi: 
Page 2 of 5 
composite was analyzed by measuring its self-cleaning ability, using Methylene blue degradation. They applied the system in real 
conditions  to  portions  of  an  outdoor  concrete  wall.  A  year  later,  they  studied  the  color  degradation,  which  showed  reasonable 
results.  They  also  studied  the  system’s  ability  to  protect  the  concrete  from  bacterial  organisms  and  found  it  to  have had a good 
antibacterial effect against most of the tested organisms. 
Beeldens integrated usefulness as a reduction. In this photocatalytic TiO 
2 into for concrete air study, the inlet concentration pavement blocks to test its purification, of NO measured was equal 
as NO 
to 1 X 
ppm. When the UV light was turned-on, the concentration dropped by approximately 40%. After 5 hours of exposure to UV light, 
both the NO and measured, the light showing were turned a notable off for decrease. 30 minutes. The The final NO 
measurement X 
concentration varied was 
depending  on  the size of the surface exposed, the material itself, the concentration of NO, the light intensity, the flow rate and the 
ambient  temperature.  The  best  results  were  seen  under  low  relative  humidity,  high  temperature  (>25°C), long contact time, and 
high light intensities. 
J Nanomed Nanotechnol, an open access journal ISSN: 2157-7439 
Volume 9 • Issue 3 • 1000505 
Figure 2: Photocatalytic process triggered by TiO 
2 
Figure 1: Sources of air pollution. 
These are the conditions seen on hot, sunny days without wind and the same conditions that foster a high risk of smog formation 
[10]. 
Kumar  et  al.  compared  doped  titanium  dioxide  with  0.2%  Ag,  2%  Ag  with  non-doped  titanium  dioxide when both samples 
were  integrated  into white cement. Their goal was to produce a concrete that self-cleans under sunlight and UV light. The cement 
containing doped cement displayed TiO 
in the both 2 
showed most sunlight efficient better and degradation color UV degradation light. TiO 
efficiency 2 
-cement compared than slabs the with with non-doped the 2% other Ag 
samples. an excellent Therefore, method they to produce concluded self-cleaning that adding cement, TiO 
2 
to with white the cement surface is 
only  needing  water,  in  the  form  of  rain  or  humidity;  sunlight;  and  atmospheric  oxygen in order to self-clean. However, Dylla et 
al.  [13]  found  that  the  higher  air  flows  lead  to  lower  NO removal efficiencies, because the decreased concrete contact time does 
not allow enough time for pollutants to be absorbed and removed by the photocatalytic compound. 
in concrete. 
 
) Citation: Elia H 10.4172/2157-7439.1000505 
(2018) Using Nano- and Micro-Titanium Dioxide (TiO 
2 
in Concrete to Reduce Air Pollution. J Nanomed Nanotechnol 9: 505. doi: 
Page 3 of 5 
Zhang et al. tested different , in traditional Portland cement J Nanomed Nanotechnol, an open access journal ISSN: 2157-7439 
dosages mortars of to TiO 
study 2 
between TiO 
2 
1% and 6%, 
Sieve Size % Passing as tested ’s self-cleaning 
3/8 inch (9.5 mm) 100 ability; 50% slag as 
cement replacement was included for comparison. 
#4 (4.75 mm) 97 The of recovery 
specimens with 1% TiO 
2 
showed good self-cleaning and faster rates 
#8 (2.36 mm) #16 (1.18 mm) 86 to 2%, the 
to the original rate of color color. When recovery also increased. the TiO 
2 
dosage In was increased general, the slag 
#30 (600 micro meter) 80 45 mortars showed slightly lower or similar rates of color recovery and as 
#50 (300 micro meter) 13 a result, less 
efficient self-cleaning than the Portland cement mortars 
#100 (150 micro meter) 0.5 [13,14]. 
Table 3: Fine aggregate gradation. 
Hassan et al. studied three different methods concrete. The first method involved applying a to apply thin, 3% and TiO 
2 
5% to 
Nano Micro coatings 
hardened the and third 5%) on method of concrete the TiO 
surface 2 consisted to surface the of fresh concrete was of sprinkling concrete treated surface. with before nano-sized In 
water-based it the hardened. second TiO 
2 
TiO particles The method, 2 
. Finally, 
results (3% a 
TiO 
 2 (Weight)% 99.7 Type of crystal structure Anatase Particles size ≤ 25 nm Table 4: Nano- and micro-TiO 2 
97.5 Anatase ≤ 850 μm 
showed that the 5% TiO 
2 
characteristics. removed NO 
X 
from the air the best. coating The highest and NO the removal water-based efficiency TiO 2 
was seen 
Material (gm) 3% TiO 
2 
6% TiO 
2 
9% TiO 
2 
12% TiO 
2 
15% TiO 
2 
in the samples treated with the water-based TiO 
2 
product [15]. 
Cement 8.73 8.46 8.19 7.92 7.65 Fine aggregate 25 25 25 25 25 Experimental Details 
Coarse aggregate 12 12 12 12 12 
Materials 
Water 5 5 5 5 5 TiO 
2 Cement: In this research, type I Portland cement 
obtained from Ash Grove Cement Company was utilized in all mixtures to prevent variation in results. The cement properties are 
listed in Table 1. 
Coarse  aggregate:  The  coarse  aggregate was obtained from Webco Mining, Inc. It complies with the grading requirements of 
ASTM C-136. It has an absorption capacity of 1.2% and specific gravity of 2.57. Table 2 shows the course aggregate gradation. 
Fine  aggregate:  Fine  aggregate  (sand)  was  purchased  from  Jeffery  Sand  Co.  It  has  a  specific gravity of 2.62 and absorption 
capacity of 0.48% and complies with ASTM C-33, as presented in Table 3. 
Water: Clean, fresh drinking tap water, free from impurities, was used in all mixes. 
TiO 
2 
0.27 0.54 0.81 1.08 1.35 
Table 5: Components of the different concrete mixes used in this study. Rhodamin B dye: A 0.01 millimoles concentration of 
Rhodamin B dye was used to represent organic pollutants. 
Methods 
Traditional  concrete  mix  contains  cement,  fine  and  coarse  aggregates,  and  water.  In  this  work,  different  concentrations  of 
titanium  dioxide  (3,  6,  9,  12,  or  15%  (w/w)  of  the  cement composition;3 samples for each concentration) were also added to the 
mix.  In  reality,  this  kind  of  concrete  mix  would  be  applied  just  on  the  top  layer  of  concrete,  making  up  about  10%  of  the 
thickness of the concrete, because only the surface will be involved in the photocatalytic process. Two sizes of 
: Table 4 presents the characteristics of the nano- and microscaleTiO and the nanoscale 2 
. The TiO 
microscale 2 
was obtained TiO 
from 2 
was Sigma. 
obtained from Crystal Co., 
TiO crystal concrete 2 
were structure mixes utilized: that (anatase). nanoscale were used Table and in 5 this lists microscale, work. 
the contents but both of the have TiO 
the 2 -infused same 
After the concrete samples were prepared, 0.1 ml of Rhodamin B was applied on top to represent organic pollutants. Next, 
the samples 
Component Percent by weight 
were put under sunlight to mimic real conditions, and the color 
SiO 
2 Al 
2 
O 
3 Fe 
2 
O 
3 CaO 20.08% 
intensity degradation was measured after 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. All 
4.65% 
samples were put out together to avoid unwanted differences between 
4.11% 
them. ImageJ® software was used to analyze color removal efficiency in 
63.63% 
order to identify the optimal dose and size of TiO 
2 MgO 0.94% 
SO 
3 
. 
3.19% 

Results 
Na 
2 O K 2 O Limestone 0.16% 0.54% 2.7% 
The results the color on than nano-TiO 
showed top of that both nano- the concrete, with and micro-TiO 
microscaleTiO 
2 
performing 2 
degraded better 
2 Table 1: Portland cement properties. 
Sieve Size % Passing as tested 1.5 inch (38 mm) 100 3/4 inch (19.05 mm) 95.1 
3/8 inch (9.5 mm) 28.55 #4 (4.75 mm) 5.2 #8 (2.36 mm) 0.4 #16 (1.18 mm) 0.3 
Table 2: Coarse aggregate gradation. 
was  9%,  which  was  able  to  remove  98.25%  of  the  color;  the  optimal 
amount of nano- TiO 
2 
. The optimal amount of micro-TiO 
2 
was 3%, which removed 89% of the color. Figure 3 shows the color degradation TiO infused 2 
. Overall, for our 9% results micro-TiO 
indicate 2 
and Figure 4 shows it for 3% nano- that nano-and microscale concrete may be able to remove organic 
pollutants that TiO 
come 
2 
- 
in contact with the concrete surface. 
Figure concentrations, 5 charts the color clearly showing removal efficiency for all 9% to be the optimal amount. micro-TiO 
Figure 6 2 
charts amount the to same be 3%. for Figure all nano-TiO 7 shows 2 
concentrations, the color intensity indicating degradation the optimal caused 
Volume 9 • Issue 3 • 1000505 
 
) Citation: Elia H 10.4172/2157-7439.1000505 
(2018) Using Nano- and Micro-Titanium Dioxide (TiO 
2 
in Concrete to Reduce Air Pollution. J Nanomed Nanotechnol 9: 505. doi: 
Page 4 of 5 
120 
100 
80 
3% M 
60 
6% M 
40 
9% M 
20 
12% M 
0 
15% M 
0 1 2 3 4 5 Time (day) 
Figure 5: Color removal efficiency of all micro-TiO 
2 
J Nanomed Nanotechnol, an open access journal ISSN: 2157-7439 
concentrations with time (day). 
100 
80 
60 
3% N 
6% N 40 
9% N 
20 
12% N 
0 
15% N 
0 1 2 3 4 5 Time (day) 
Figure 6: Color removal efficiency of nano-TiO 
2 
over time (day). 
by caused nanoscale by microscale TiO 
2 
, and TiO 
Figure 2 . 
8 shows the color intensity degradation 

Conclusion 
Studies  have  shown  that  titanium  dioxide  helps  produce  a  concrete  that  can  clean  itself  and  the  air  around  it  by 
photocatalysis. The pollutant removal dye on the surface’s the efficiency surface removal of of TiO 
efficiency, the 2 TiO can 2 
be -infused which measured represents concrete by applying its mix potential and Rhodamine calculating removal B 
Volume 9 • Issue 3 • 1000505 
Figure 3: 9% micro-TiO 
2 
Figure 4: 3% nano-TiO 
2 
at 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. 
at 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. 
efficiency of air pollutants. Our results indicated that both nano- and micro-TiO with concrete’s 2 
-infused concrete can remove air pollutants that interact removal than surface. MicroscaleTiO 
the nanoscale samples. The 2 
shows optimal more dose efficient of color microscale TiO reaching the cement 2 
was 9% up concentration, to of the 98.25%. cement The concentration, with optimal color dose removal with of nanoscale 
efficiency color removal TiO 
of 89%. 
2 
was efficiency 3% of 
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) Citation: Elia H 10.4172/2157-7439.1000505 
(2018) Using Nano- and Micro-Titanium Dioxide (TiO 
2 
in Concrete to Reduce Air Pollution. J Nanomed Nanotechnol 9: 505. doi: 
Page 5 of 5 
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