Microstructural and mechanical properties of photocatalytic cement mortar with g-C3N4/CoAl-LDH nanoflowers

The g-C3N4/CoAl-LDH nanoflowers with a strong photocatalytic activity under UV–visible light irradiation was synthesized and applied with different dosages to prepare photocatalytic cement mortars (PCM). Besides the photocatalytic assessment by NOx degradation, the effect of g-C3N4/CoAl-LDH on the microstructural and mechanical properties of cement mortars were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray computed tomography (X-CT), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), capillary water absorption and strength tests. The results show that in addition to the unique air self-purification characteristics, g-C3N4/CoAl-LDH can promote cement hydration with filling effect and further improve the microstructural and mechanical properties of mortar. Moreover, the ability of g-C3N4/CoAl-LDH to capture CO32− can alleviate the influence of carbonation on photocatalytic performance. Therefore, g-C3N4/CoAl-LDH exhibits lasting photocatalytic performance in cement-based materials. This work is expected to contribute to the effort of searching for new multifunctional nano-additives for improved sustainability of building materials.