TiO2 thick films supported on reticulated macroporous Al2O3 foams and their photoactivity in phenol mineralization

TiO2 thick films deposited on macroporous reticulated Al2O3 foams with pore size of 10 ppi and 15 ppi were prepared using dip coating from slurries of Aeroxide® P25 nanopowder and precipitated titania. All prepared films have sufficiently good adhesion to the surface of the substrate also in case of strongly cracked films. No measurable release of deposited TiO2 after repeated photocatalytic cycles was observed. The photocatalytic activity was characterized as the rate of mineralization of aqueous phenol solution under irradiation of UVA light by TOC technique. The best activity was obtained with Aeroxide® P25 coated Al2O3 foam with the pore size of 10 ppi, annealed at 600 °C. The optimal annealing temperature for preparation of films from precipitated titania could be determined at 700 °C. Films prepared by sol-gel deposition technique were considerably thinner compared to coatings made of suspensions and their photocatalytic activity was significantly smaller.

Research highlights▶ Titania coated reticulated alumina ceramic foams as photocatalysts. ▶ Sulphated precipitated anatase and Aeroxide P25 thick films. ▶ Thick titania coatings on foams are effective photocatalysts in phenol degradation. ▶ Complete mineralization of phenol in aqueous solution under UVA light was observed.