Evaluation of air cleaning through photocatalytic asphalt mixture functionalized with TiO2 nanoparticles

Abstract

Controlling atmospheric pollution is a challenge for society. Air pollutants, such as NO and NO2, resulting from the combustion of fuels in the air, can cause acid rain and pose health risks to human beings. Using semiconductor nanoparticles, e.g., TiO2, in Asphalt Mixtures (AM) to photodegrade NOx is a promising alternative for air cleaning in urban cities. Asphalt pavements are ideal materials for that due to their large surface area and vicinity to vehicular exhaust gases. Thus, this research aims to evaluate the NOx reduction effect of a photocatalytic AM sprayed with TiO2 under the standard ISO 22197-1. The results demonstrate a photocatalytic activity of the functionalized asphalt mixtures, with a reduction of 40% of NO and 20% of NOx.