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Effect of weathering and traffic exposure on removal of nitrogen oxides by photocatalytic coatings on roadside concrete structures

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Abstract

Oxides of nitrogen (NO x ) are ubiquitous pollutants in large urban areas of the world. Photocatalytic materials have been studied, primarily in the laboratory, for their ability to remove oxides of nitrogen. The study described herein compared NO x removal efficacies of three commercially-available photocatalytic coatings (a stucco, a white paint and a clear paint) applied to roadside concrete. The study aimed to elucidate how environmental parameters and exposure to real roadside conditions impact NO x removal. This was achieved through periodic laboratory chamber testing and material characterization of concrete slabs stored by busy roadways for a 20-month period. It was observed that roadside exposure led to physical degradation of the clear paint coating, while the other two remained intact. The stucco coating was the most effective at NO x removal, but the efficacy nonetheless diminished over time.

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Acknowledgments

This work was funded by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) under Project 0-6636. The findings are part of an ongoing research project and the final results of the study will be considered by TxDOT before full release of the Project final report. The authors would also like to thank Rachel Cano for her help in manufacturing and coating concrete samples used in this Project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 301 E. Dean Keeton St., Austin, TX, 78712, USA

    Clement J. Cros, Alexandra L. Terpeluk, Lisa E. Burris, Richard L. Corsi & Maria C. G. Juenger

  2. Center for Energy and Environmental Resources, The University of Texas at Austin, 10100 Burnet Rd., Building 133, Austin, TX, 78758, USA

    Clement J. Cros, Neil E. Crain & Richard L. Corsi

Authors
  1. Clement J. Cros
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  2. Alexandra L. Terpeluk
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  3. Lisa E. Burris
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  6. Maria C. G. Juenger
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Correspondence to Maria C. G. Juenger.

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Cros, C.J., Terpeluk, A.L., Burris, L.E. et al. Effect of weathering and traffic exposure on removal of nitrogen oxides by photocatalytic coatings on roadside concrete structures. Mater Struct 48, 3159–3171 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-014-0388-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-014-0388-2

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