TiO2 (titania) can be an effective photocatalyst for water purification; however, the titania particles must be on the nanoscale. Since it is quite difficult to remove post-use nanoparticles from solution, it is usually necessary to deposit the titania onto a surface over which water can flow during photocatalysis. The adhesion strength and durability of the support-titania composite material should be maximized to assure the longevity of the photocatalytic reactor and minimize the release of nanoscale titania, which may have adverse affects on human health and the environment. Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (GFAAS) is able to quantify TiO2-Ti dispersed in water down to 25 ppb despite the highly refractory nature of TiO2. The mechanical and photocatalytic durability of reactors constructed from poly(methylmethacrylate)-titania composite materials was investigated by the GFAAS detection of TiO2-Ti in the aqueous contents of the reactors after sustained mechanical shaking and prolonged UV exposure of the reactor.

Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy for the detection of TiO<sub>2</sub>-Ti removed from the surfaces of acrylic-titania composite photocatalytic materials

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy for the detection of TiO2-Ti removed from the surfaces of acrylic-titania composite photocatalytic materials

Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy for the detection of TiO₂-Ti removed from the surfaces of acrylic-titania composite photocatalytic materials