Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) is inexpensive photocatalytic material that completely mineralizes organics without harmful byproducts. Mineralizing biological organisms demonstrate how nature can produce elegant structures at room temperature through controlled organic-mineral interactions. Using biologically-inspired scaffolds to template the nucleation and growth of TiO2, 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. Subsequently the photocatalytic activity of the mixed phase particles were characterized via degradation of an organic dye. The optimal activity is discussed by anatase-rutile synergistic effect and photocatalyst solution conditions. By modifying solution conditions we have produced a porous, high surface area TiO2 nanoparticle membrane is produced with controlled crystallite size, phase, and porosity. These membranes can be utilized in photocatalytic applications, eliminating the need for nanoparticle recovery systems, thereby reducing processing costs.

Biologically inspired synthesis of a photocatalytically active membranes for water treatment

245th National Meeting (2013)

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