We utilize biologically-inspired scaffolds to template the nucleation and growth of inorganic materials such as TiO2, which aid in controlling the size and phase of these particles. Understanding the fundamental nucleation and growth mechanism is critical to control the microstructure and thus function. Nanosized rutile and anatase particles were synthesized at relatively low temperatures and mild pH conditions. The effects of reaction conditions on phase and grain size were investigated and discussed from coordination chemistry and coarsening mechanisms. By modifying solution conditions, we have produced a self-supporting porous, high surface area TiO2 membrane with controlled crystallite size, phase, and porosity. These bulk porous TiO2 membranes can be utilized in photocatalytic applications, eliminating the need for nanoparticle recovery systems, thereby reducing processing costs and increasing amount of viable applications of photocatalytic systems.

Biologically inspired synthesis of a photocatalytically active membrane for water treatment

244th National Meeting (2012)

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