The photoactivity of nanomaterials (NMs) in the environment is of particular concern considering the ability of metal oxide NMs to produce toxic reactive oxygen species. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been heavily used and researched as a photocatalyst, although, little work has investigated the role of particle phase and morphology on photoactivity and even less is known about the environmental photoactivity.   Using more than 10 different TiO2 nanoparticles of different crystalline phase and morphology, we measured the photoactivity in deionized water, freshwater, groundwater and other natural waters.  Under environmental conditions, our research has shown that anatase photoactivity is roughly one order of magnitude greater than rutile. We have also shown that amorphous particles are more reactive than dots, which are more reactive than spheres, which are more reactive than wires.  Compared to DI conditions, photoactivity is generally reduced in all natural waters.

Influence of morphology and phase on TiO2 photoactivity in natural waters

244th National Meeting (2012)

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