Issue 3, 2021

Towards the development of safer by design TiO2-based photocatalytic paint: impacts and performances

Abstract

Addition of titanium dioxide (TiO2) (nano)particles into photocatalytic paints represents a promising alternative aiming to mineralize gaseous pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into innocuous species (H2O and CO2). Despite important industrial and economic benefits, some concerns were raised regarding the risks associated with nano-objects and their human and environmental impacts. To mitigate potential risks associated with the use of these nano-objects, we report a safer by design strategy to develop a photocatalytic paint containing TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) taking into consideration the safety aspects over its life cycle. Specific innovative types of TiO2 NPs were synthesized. These nanoparticles were then incorporated into an organic matrix-based paint. These paints were applied on standard substrates and underwent artificial weathering in an accelerated weathering chamber with controlled parameters. Photocatalytic efficiency towards airborne VOCs was measured for all the paints. Mechanical solicitation through abrasion and incineration tests were performed to assess the potential emission of airborne particles that could lead to human or environmental exposure. In parallel, toxicology studies were conducted to assess the hazards associated with the pristine particles and paint residues. Using this safer by design strategy, we succeeded in decreasing the negative impact of TiO2 on the paint matrix while keeping a good photocatalytic efficiency and reducing the NP release. Taken together, these results show that we succeeded in generating safer by design paints, thanks to the use of these specifically developed TiO2 NPs, which exhibit similar photocatalytic properties and enhanced physical properties as compared to paints containing the reference TiO2 NPs, while reducing their potential hazards.

Graphical abstract: Towards the development of safer by design TiO2-based photocatalytic paint: impacts and performances

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
10 Dec 2020
Accepted
07 Feb 2021
First published
09 Feb 2021

Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2021,8, 758-772

Towards the development of safer by design TiO2-based photocatalytic paint: impacts and performances

A. Rosset, V. Bartolomei, J. Laisney, N. Shandilya, H. Voisin, J. Morin, I. Michaud-Soret, I. Capron, H. Wortham, G. Brochard, V. Bergé, M. Carriere, F. Dussert, O. Le Bihan, C. Dutouquet, A. Benayad, D. Truffier-Boutry, S. Clavaguera and S. Artous, Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2021, 8, 758 DOI: 10.1039/D0EN01232G

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements