PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITY OF GYPSUM–CEMENT–POZZOLANIC SYSTEMS MODIFIED WITH TITANIUM DIOXIDE NANOPARTICLES

The article examines modern approaches to the development of photocatalytically active construction materials using nanosized titanium dioxide (TiO₂). An increasing interest in environmentally safe composites that comply with the eco-friendly concept and the principles of sustainable construction is noted. It is shown that the incorporation of TiO₂ into a mineral matrix makes it possible to simultaneously improve the performance characteristics of the material and provide its self-cleaning ability due to the photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants under ultraviolet irradiation. A schematic representation of photocatalytic processes involving the generation of electrons, positive holes, and reactive oxygen species (hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions) responsible for the decomposition of organic substances on the material surface is presented.