Advances in ZnO nanoparticles in building material: Antimicrobial and photocatalytic applications - Systematic literature review

Nanomaterial integration in building materials has become a pivotal approach to provide cementitious composites with dual functionality, namely photocatalytic and antimicrobial attributes, conferring self-cleaning and anti-polluting characteristics to these materials. We conducted a systematic literature review on the photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties of ZnO-NP in construction materials, selecting all articles from the last 5 years. We performed a search on the Web of Science and 25 articles were selected consistent with the study purpose, after the filtration process aligned with PRISMA guidelines. This is the first article on this topic using a methodological review, covering all recent literature and the most cited articles from recent decades. Although the volume of articles is still limited, it was possible to identify the most efficient percentages of ZnO-NP in different construction materials (paint, mortar, concrete, wood, others). The main applications, challenges, and themes for future research are discussed to produce safer and more sustainable materials and with potential to be used in the civil construction industry.