Photocatalytic TiO2 nanosheets-SiO2 coatings on concrete and limestone: An enhancement of de-polluting and self-cleaning properties by nanoparticle design

•TNS-SiO2 coatings can be easily created on the limestone and concrete surface.•TNS-coatings are active for the removal of common pollutants such as soot and NOx.•Adsorbed residual fluoride hinder the coating synthesis and its photo-activity.•TNS-coatings show better self-cleaning and antipollution properties than P25-coatings.•TNS is a promising active phase for creating transparent photoactive coatings for buildings.