Producing photoactive, transparent and hydrophobic SiO2-crystalline TiO2 nanocomposites at ambient conditions with application as self-cleaning coatings.

Highlights: [•] SiO2-crystalline TiO2 photoactive materials have been successfully synthesized. [•] These materials meet requirements as self-cleaning and hydrophobic coatings for stone. [•] In this synthesis, oxalic acid produces anatase crystals at ambient conditions. [•] Oxalic acid promotes the simultaneous sol–gel transition for Ti and Si alkoxides. [•] Oxalic acid also increases the photoactivity by acting as a hole-scavenger. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]