TiO2 nanomaterials: a comparison between nanowire and nanotube configuration for photocatalytic degradation and regeneration

• Main Author: Rusli, Alwyn
• Other Authors: Tan Yong Liang, Benny
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Environmental engineering::Water treatment
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/71758
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Both morphologies of TiO2 namely, nanowire and nanotube, were successfully fabricated using hydrothermal-filtration method. The TiO2/UV photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) was investigated in aqueous suspensions. In addition to a prompt removal of the color, TiO2/UV-based photocatalytic activity was able to oxidize the dye to harmless products such as CO2, NH4+, NO3- and SO42-. Due to the different in morphologies, there is a difference in photocatalytic and regeneration performance. From the study, natural TiO2 nanotube is found to be more effect in photocatalytic oxidation as compared to TiO2 nanowire. It is believed that the difference in performance is due to the larger surface area as well as the ability to retain more UV photon of TiO2 nanotube.