4-Year in-situ assessment of a photocatalytic TiO2/SiO2 antifouling treatment for historic mortar in a coastal city

This manuscript presents a 4 years in-situ evaluation of TiO2/SiO2-based product applied to mortar seating belonging the bleachers Cadiz Roman Theatre, affected by biofouling and organic deposits. Antifouling performance was studied colorimetric measurements ATP analyses. Surface sampling performed for identification, being remarkable presence filamentous fungi cyanobacteria. Additionally, antifouling checked during monitoring study. SEM observations, carried out after application, demonstrate that TiO2 integration in SiO2 matrix produces durable coating which allows prolongation over time. According results obtained, application treatment, treated area still maintains its efficacy, exhibiting 40% reduction deposit 61% inhibition biological growth compared untreated area. The this study show SiO2/TiO2-based may potentially reduce costs cleaning maintenance works. At same time, it is considered efficacy more pronounced first two could be taken into account re-application actions.