A Review on Cement-Based Composites for Removal of Organic/Heavy Metal Contaminants from Water

Building materials are traditionally known for their mechanical and structural properties. As environmental pollution has risen as a huge global issue, functional building materials with environmental remediation capabilities are the demand for the present time. In this context, cement and concrete with photocatalytic and adsorbent additives were explored for air and water remediation. The usage of functional building materials for self-cleaning and air cleaning is well documented and reviewed in earlier reports. This article gives an overview of the functional building material composites used for water remediation. Numerous different approaches, such as photocatalysis, adsorption, and antimicrobial disinfection, are discussed. Among all, photocatalysis for the degradation of organic compounds and antimicrobial effect has been the most studied method, with TiO2 being the first choice for a photocatalyst. Furthermore, some reports illustrate the impact of photocatalytic filler on hydration and mechanical properties, which is important in case these are used in construction. Adsorption was most preferred for heavy metal removal from the water. This article rationalizes the current status and future scope of cement-based functional composites for water cleaning and discusses their use in water cleaning facilities or regular construction.