Electrophoretic Deposition ofTiO2Thin Films for Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants in Water

Abstract

In this study, electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique was used to deposittitanium dioxide (TiO2) thin filmson conducting glass substratesfor application in photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in water. Phenol was used as a model pollutant.The EPD suspension related parameters and deposition conditions were first optimizedfor good quality film deposits. The suspension stability and deposition conditions that result in good adherence of TiO2particles to the substratewith homogeneous film coatings are ethanol, a TiO2solid loading of 4 wt%, a 0.2 wt% iodine concentration in the solvent and a deposition voltage of 20V in a time of 3.5 minutes.The photocatalytic activity of TiO2thin films decreased exponentially with the ultraviolet light (UV) illumination time and it was also dependent on film thickness, and sintering temperatureof the TiO2thin films. Highest rate of photocatalyticactivity was observed at an optimal film thickness of 95± 2μmsintered at 300 °C. The implications of these results are discussed for design of inexpensive wastewater purification systems for light industries as well for semi urban small communities.