Stoichiometric titanium dioxide is an insulator with a very low electrical conductivity. However, the electronic properties of titanium dioxide can be drastically changed by creating oxygen deficiencies in the lattice structure, which is accomplished at temperatures &gt; 900 oC and under reducing conditions. This method results in conversion of some Ti(IV) to Ti(III) and n-type semiconductor behavior. In these sub-oxides, most of the Ti is in its maximum +4 oxidation state, making them very resistant to further oxidation and highly suitable as stable anode materials. In this talk I will discuss our ongoing research efforts aimed at the synthesis and characterization of novel, conductive reactive electrochemical membranes (REMs) that are synthesized as conductive ceramic substoichiometric titanium dioxide (TinO2n-1) membranes. These membranes have shown exceptional promise for the removal of a broad range of contaminants, including nitrate, arsenic, and various organic contaminants and pathogens. A combination of electrochemical oxidation/reduction experiments, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, and mathematical modeling was used to develop a mechanistic understanding of the interaction of water contaminants and membrane foulants at the REM. Results from this work are being used to develop more efficient and compact treatment technologies, including ‘self cleaning’ membranes and multi-functional point-of-use water treatment devices.

Oxygen deficient titanium dioxide: A low cost material for water treatment

252nd National Meeting (2016)

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