TiO2-based Nanomaterials with Photocatalytic Properties for the Advanced Degradation of Xenobiotic Compounds from Water. A Literature Survey

• Published in: Water, air, and soil pollution air, and soil pollution, 2013-06, Vol.224 (6), p.1, Article 1548
• Main Authors: Răileanu, Mălina, Crişan, Maria, Niţoi, Ines, Ianculescu, Adelina, Oancea, Petruţa, Crişan, Dorel, Todan, Ligia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; Applied sciences; Atmospheric chemistry; Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution; Chemical properties; Chemical synthesis; Climate Change/Climate Change Impacts; Degradation; Design; Earth and Environmental Science; Environment; Environmental monitoring; Exact sciences and technology; Hydrogeology; Literature reviews; Materials science; Microscopy; Nanomaterials; Nanoparticles; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Nonmetals; Photocatalysis; Photochemistry; Photodegradation; Physical chemistry; Pollutants; Pollution; R&D; Research & development; Soil Science & Conservation; Studies; Surveys; Thermal stability; Titanium; Titanium dioxide; Toxicity; Transition metals; Water pollution; Water Quality/Water Pollution
• ISSN: 0049-6979; 1573-2932
• DOI: 10.1007/s11270-013-1548-7

In recent years, the photochemistry of nano-semiconductor particles has been one of the fastest growing research areas in the physical chemistry field. TiO 2 is considered as the most thoroughly investigated semiconductor in the literature, due to its photocatalytic activity, excellent functionality, thermal stability, and non-toxicity. It seems to be the most promising for the photocatalytic destruction of organic pollutants. The challenge for scientific materials is to find a processing method in which the crystalline phase as well as the size and morphology of TiO 2 nanocrystals can be controlled. The concept of the present paper consists of a comprehensive study regarding the level of knowledge in the synthesis of TiO 2 -based nanopowders and their application in the advanced degradation of aromatic nitrocompounds. The objectives are related to: critical analysis of the synthesis techniques of the TiO 2 -based nanopowders, underlining the importance of using the sol–gel method evaluation of the morphological and structural specific characterization of these techniques; and a comprehensive study of the operational parameters of the pollutant photocatalytic degradation. The relative simple sol–gel method is the most widely used, being considered as a versatile means of developing catalytic materials, as well as an important experimental tool in understanding their physical and chemical properties. In order to enhance TiO 2 photocatalysis and to extend the response into the visible domain, titanium has been doped with metals, nonmetals, and ionic components. A recent literature survey concerning some transition metals-doping (Fe, Co, and Ni) of TiO 2 nanopowders by the sol–gel method was also included.