Preparation and characteristics of TiO2 nanotube catalysts used in hybrid photocatalysis/membrane process

A novel photocatalytic membrane reactor (PMR) system was reported by the usage of TiO2 nanotube (TNT) photocatalysts and microfiltration (MF) membranes. TNTs were prepared by hydrothermal method and the optimal preparation conditions were determined. Results showed that prepared TNT had good photocatalytic activity which was 2.5 times higher than that of P25 in reactive brilliant blue X-BR degradation. Due to its one-dimensional structure, the membrane flux in TNT separation was also 4–5 times higher than P25 no matter what kind of membrane was applied. Surface morphology analysis predicted less membrane fouling and better recycling in TNT PMR system.

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► A novel photocatalytic membrane reactor system was set up by TNTs and MF membranes.
► TNTs prepared by hydrothermal method held pohotocatalytic activity 2.5 times higher than P25.
► Photodegradation rate of TNT under nature condition (pH = 4.46) reached as high as 99.07%.
► TNT caused less membrane fouling and provided better recycling than P25 in PMR system.