Ardizzone S., Bianchi C.L., Cappelletti G., Pirola C., Ragaini V.
University of Milan, IT
Keywords: degradation, nanoparticle, photocatalysis, TiO2
The nanometer scale of the TiO2 plays a key role in affecting the photocatalytic performance of the material. In recent years a great deal of activity was dedicated, by the authors, to the study of synthetic routes leading to nanocrystalline materials with tailored features, mainly in the case of titania. Sol-gel paths, combined with hydrothermal stages performed either in the presence or in the absence of surfactants, have led to nanocrystalline TiO2 with controlled enrichment in either anatase or rutile.
In this work the authors report on the activity of nanocrystalline titania, prepared by a multi-step sol-gel procedure, with respect to the photodegradation, in solution, of 2-chlorophenol used as a model compound. Samples with varying surface area and anatase/rutile content are tested and their activity is compared with that of the most commonly studied TiO2 photocatalyst Degussa P25 standard material. The composition of the reacting mixture, in terms of side products, and the total mineralization by TOC is followed throughout the reaction time.
The combination of several treatments in addition to the UV irradiation (ultrasound, ozone) on the nanocrystalline titania performance is parallely investigated. Preliminary tests are also performed with respect to the photoinduced decomposition of NOx in air.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Technical Proceedings of the 2006 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 1
Published: May 7, 2006
Pages: 336 - 338
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Nanoparticle Synthesis & Applications
ISBN: 0-9767985-6-5