Function of pure TiO2 nanoparticles is still limited because it has wide band gap, low efficiency of sunlight utilization by requiring UV range and high recombination rate of electron-holes. In this study, experiments were performed to investigate synergistic effect of composite TiO2/ZrO2 nanoparticles on membrane fouling in submerged, photocatalytic hollow-fiber membrane system treating NOM. Fouling mitigation was greatest as the composite nanoparticles consist of 50 % ZrO2 and 50 % TiO2. The effectiveness was more pronounced at lower solution pH. Addition of Ca+2 improved catalytic efficiency for NOM removal significantly in presence of composite nanoparticles. The addition of divalent Ca+2 can allow extending light adsorption of ZrO2 having large band gap to visible region or complex with catalysts to produce more protonated charges. In addition, the NOM can have confronted structure in the presence of Ca+2, which favors to adsorb on the catalytic surfaces of composite TiO2/ZrO2 nanoparticles.

Characteristics of NOM filtration in submerged, photocatalytic membrane system integrated with composite TiO2/ZrO2 nanoparticles

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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