TiO{sub 2}-coated foams as a medium for solar catalysis

Journal Article · Tue Feb 15 04:00:00 EST 2011 · Materials Research Bulletin

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MATERRESBULL.2010.11.011· OSTI ID:22209997

Goetz, V. ^[1]; Sacco, D. ^[1]

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1. PROMES-CNRS, UPR 8521, PROcedes Materiaux et Energie Solaire, Rambla de la Thermodynamique, Technosud, 66100 Perpignan Cedex (France)

Graphical abstract: Photographs taken at the Scanning Electron Microscope of (a) a surface coating of TiO{sub 2}, (b) a mesh of a foam (mesh diameter of 2 mm) and (c) a foam. Research highlights: {yields} Assess the efficiency of the foams as a photocatalytic media. {yields} Foam to improve the apparent quantum yield. {yields} Foam makes good use of the UV rays to break down molecules. -- Abstract: Sunlight irradiating the surface of the Earth represents a maximum input available for a solar catalytic process of 50 W{sub UV} m{sup -2}. We propose using high-porosity, metallic, reticulated foams as the support medium for the photocatalyst in order to improve the apparent quantum yield. The layer of TiO{sub 2} was applied by dip-coating. The measurement of the degradation kinetics was carried out on a model target molecule, 2,4 dichlorophenol, at an initial concentration of 10 mg l{sup -1}. The aim was to assess the efficiency of the foams as a photocatalytic media compared to that of a suspension of catalytic powder (Degussa P25) and the flat 2D support (Ahlstrom cellulose media). The apparent quantum yield of the foam scaffold carrying the TiO{sub 2} was high, showing that, as with the powder suspension, foam makes good use of the UV rays to break down molecules. It is noteworthy that the apparent quantum yield of the foam tended towards that observed for suspensions which form the ideal support thanks to their optimal ability to harness the light.

• OSTI ID: 22209997
• Journal Information: Materials Research Bulletin, Journal Name: Materials Research Bulletin Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 46; ISSN MRBUAC; ISSN 0025-5408
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
CELLULOSE
DIP COATING
EFFICIENCY
FOAMS
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHOTOCATALYSIS
POWDERS
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
SURFACES
SUSPENSIONS
TITANIUM OXIDES