Photocatalytic efficiencies of self-cleaning glasses. Influence of physical factors

Abstract

Two commercial types of self-cleaning glass (SCG) have been tested to confirm the real photocatalytic nature of their properties. This was done by using four photocatalytic tests: (i) in the gas phase with the total oxidation of acetylene; (ii) in water with the total degradation of malic acid, (iii) in water with the total degradation of methylene blue, and (iv) in the solid phase with the total oxidative degradation of a layer of stearic acid deposited on the self-cleaning glass surface, in contact with the superficial titania coating. The influence of various factors (temperature, humidity, wavelength, radiant flux, presence of inorganic particles stuck at the glass surface) was explained in line with the fundamentals of photocatalysis. The results helped to understand the behaviour of self-cleaning glass.

Durability and Safety Performance of Pavements with Added Photocatalysts

“…This technique was first applied to energy generation in the 1970s by Fujishima and Honda [1] and Wrighton et al [2]. Given the huge area exposed to sunlight in construction materials, they have been one of the objects of choice of the technology for applications such as self-cleaning [3][4][5][6][7], decontamination [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14], self-sterilisation [15,16], anti-fogging [17], pollen and allergen degradation [18][19][20][21] and soot elimination [22]. The photocatalytic functionality is implemented through the addition of a semi-conductor, usually nanoparticles of TiO 2 .…”

Amphiphilic and photocatalytic behaviors of TiO2 nanotube arrays on Ti prepared via electrochemical oxidation

“…The photo-Fenton waste water treatment system works under this mechanism. The photo-catalyst, TiO 2 , helps decompose organic materials under UV radiation in the water [8,9].…”

Layer-by-Layer TiO2/WO3 Thin Films As Efficient Photocatalytic Self-Cleaning Surfaces

“…Photoinduced (super)­hydrophilic properties of TiO 2 films have been extensively studied, − since they were first observed by Wang and co-workers . These films can be directly applied as antifogging surfaces in building facades, windows, vehicles, clothes, and so on. − Although the mechanism of this phenomenon is still under investigation, commercial products such as Pilkington Activ self-cleaning glass are already available. − …”