Synthesis and Characterization of Polycrystalline Nanostructured TiO2

III-9: Development of Nanostructured Material for Controlling Membrane Fouling in Water Treatment

Darren Sun (CEE) & Jim Leckie (Stanford)

Abstract

This collaboration between the NTU, Public Utilities Board, and Stanford University is focused on the development of a nanostructured material for membrane fouling control and water treatment. Submicron TiO2 was synthesized via a sol-gel immersion coating technique. The fabricated TiO2 material is to be applied in an integrated filtration membrane water treatment system. Experimental results indicated that two thin film deposited coating cycles together with calcination at 450oC yielded single phase nanostructured polycrystalline submicron TiO2 particles. The material had BET surface area of 56 m2/g and contained more than 90% (v/v) mesopores which should allow rapid adsorption of water contaminants such as natural organic matter, subsequently enhancing the photocatalytic reaction rate.