Au-TiO2/SiO2 photocatalytic coatings for application on building materials

Abstract

The high pollution levels in urban areas is producing a significant damage on buildings. The use of photoactive coatings on building materials can produce building surfaces with self-cleaning and de-pollutant properties. We have developed a simple sol-gel route for producing Au-TiO2/SiO2 photocatalysts which were applied on common cultural heritage stones. We studied the photoactivity efficiency of the photocatalysts under study against methylene blue, soot and NOx.