TiO2-coated EP as a floating photocatalyst for water purification

A water-floating photocatalyst composed of TiO2 deposited on perlite granules was synthesized and characterized. TiO2 was deposited by direct precipitation of titanium(IV) isopropoxide in the presence of perlite granules followed by calcination at three different temperatures. Temperature induced structural changes were monitored using UV-Vis, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, BET surface adsorption, and scanning electron microscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained materials was determined using a model reaction of the oxidative degradation of phenol. The ability of the obtained photocatalyst to float, combined with its ability to absorb solar light, makes it particularly well suited for the purification of shallow water reservoirs and industrial waste stabilization ponds.