Publication: Photocatalytic efficiency and antibacteria strength of tuned titania (TiO2) nanoparticles
Date
2012-07-01
Authors
Lye, Jin Hoon
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Abstract
In this work, titania (TiO2) with average size of 3-6 nm was produced. The effect of zirconium (Zr) and silver-zirconium (Ag-Zr) on photocatalytic and antibacterial properties of TiO2 under fluorescent light was studied. Then, the best composition for indoor coating application was recommended to improve indoor air quality. TiO2 nanoparticle solution was synthesized using sol-gel method with optimized parameter. The size of nanoparticles was found to be affected by peptization duration. The best peptization duration was found to be 3 hours. Photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2 under fluorescent lamp was quite slow (30 % methyl orange (MO) degraded after 4 hours illumination). TiO2 do not possessed antibacterial properties. Photocatalytic activity of TiO2 was improved upon Zr addition. 33 to 70 % MO degraded upon 4 hours fluorescent light illumination was achieved. Photocatalytic activity of TiO2 increased with increasing Zr content. 1.8 ml Zirconium (IV) Propoxide solution addition gave rise to highest photocatalytic efficiency. Addition of Zr did not lead to antibacterial effect. Upon Ag-Zr addition, photocatalytic activity reduced as compared to Zr incorporated TiO2. 25 to 45 % of MO degraded after 4 hours illumination was achieved. The photocatalytic activity deteriorated as the ratio of Ag to Zr decrease. The reduced photocatalytic activity was coupled with increased antibacterial strength. The best composition for indoor coating was Ag-Zr incorporated
TiO2 (0.35 wt % AgNO3 and 1.12 wt % Zirconium (IV) Propoxide solution).