Ca(OH) 2 nanoparticles dispersed in isopropyl alcohol were exposed under different relative humidities (RH) during 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Higher RH (75%-90% RH) gives rise to a faster carbonation (amorphous CaCO 3 , CaCO 3 •H 2 O, calcite, aragonite and vaterite) and larger particles sizes compared to lower RH (33%-54% RH) that gives rise only to portlandite (Ca(OH) 2) and vaterite with smaller particle sizes.

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More recently, the biological colonization of stone heritage and consequently its biodeterioration has become the focus of numerous studies. Among all microorganisms, fungi are considered to be one of the most important colonizers and biodegraders on stone materials. This is why the development of new antifungal materials requires immediate action. ZnMgO nanoparticles (NPs) have several exciting applications in different areas, highlighting as an efficient antimicrobial agent for medical application. In this research, the application of Zn-doped MgO (Mg1–x Zn x O, x = 0.096) NPs obtained by sol–gel method as antifungal coatings on dolomitic and calcitic stones has been explored as a means to develop effective protective coatings for stone heritage. Moreover, the photocatalytic and antifungal activity of Mg1–x Zn x O NPs were comparatively studied with single ZnO and MgO NPs. Thus, compared to the MgO and ZnO nanomaterials, the Mg1–x Zn x O NPs exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic activity. After UV irradiation for 60 min, 87% methylene blue was degraded over Zn-doped MgO NPs, whereas only 58% and 38% of MB was degraded over ZnO and MgO NPs, respectively. These nanoparticles also displayed a better antifungal activity than that of single pure MgO or ZnO NPs, inhibiting the growth of fungi Aspergillus niger, Penicillium oxalicum, Paraconiothyrium sp., and Pestalotiopsis maculans, which are especially active in the bioweathering of stone. The improved photocatalytic and antifungal properties detected in the Mg1–x Zn x O NPs was attributed to the formation of crystal defects by the incorporation of Zn into MgO. The application of the MgO- and Zn-doped MgO NPs as protective coatings on calcareous stones showed important antifungal properties, inhibiting successfully the epilithic and endolithic colonization of A. niger and P. oxalicum in both lithotypes, and indicating a greater antifungal effectiveness on Zn-doped MgO NPs. The use of Zn-doped MgO NPs may thus represent a highly efficient antifungal protection for calcareous stone heritage.

In recent times, nanomaterials have been applied in the construction and maintenance of the worldÅLs cultural heritage with the aim of improving the consolidation and protection treatments of damaged stone. These nanomaterials include important advantages that could solve many problems found in the traditional interventions. The present paper aims to carry out a review of the state of art on the application of nanotechnology to the conservation and restoration of the stony cultural heritage. We highlight the different types of nanoparticles currently used to produce conservation treatments with enhanced material properties and novel functionalities.

The effect of high relative humidity (90% and 75% RH) on phase transformation and stability of CaCO 3 polymorphs has been studied based on the structural and morphological changes from a colloidal solution based on Ca(OH) 2 nanocrystals. Carbonation process has been confirmed indicating differences in nucleation and stability of CaCO 3 polymorphs as a function of RH. Local fluctuations in the water/alcohol ratio significantly affect the precipitation/dissolution of anhydrous and hydrated polymorphs that are reflected in the particle size. Changes in lattice parameters and particle size are related to surface tension fluctuations, release of residual water and time of exposure.These results highly contribute to evaluate the stability of the Ca(OH) 2 nanoparticles in high humidity conditions.