Developing scenario of titania-based building materials for environmental remediation

The present review article is aimed at analysing the different aspects of titania-modified building materials towards environmental remediation. The possibility of degradation of different toxic environmental pollutants like VOCs and NOx by the titania-modified paints, cements and other building materials has been discussed. The major role of titania resides in its photocatalytic activity that renders the materials’ potent for degrading these obnoxious compounds. The application of TiO2 both in small and in large scale and the mutual relationship of the amount of TiO2 with the amount of main building block constituents are discussed in detail. Application of daylight or lamplight, energy, time, and atmospheric conditions has also been dealt with. This review article solely focuses on titania-incorporated building blocks and is an endeavour to propagate a new horizon for our future pollution-free perspectives. Several environmental and product-related parameters that affect the efficacy of these modified matrices have been taken up. The present scenario in the industrial fields has also been assessed. Finally, a critical view is also presented that highlights the shortfall and areas open for further research and development in this particular field.