Immobilisation of titanium dioxide onto supporting materials in heterogeneous photocatalysis: A review

The aim of this review is to offer an overview of the evolution in the use of different anchors (supports) for the immobilisation of a semiconductor photocatalyst, which is titanium dioxide (TiO2). Several supports and immobilisation techniques that are commonly used for the removal of contaminants in wastewater are discussed. Generally, the immobilisation of a photocatalyst onto supporting material has largely been carried out via one of two major routes; physical (the thermal treatment method) route or chemical (the sol–gel method, chemical vapour deposition, electrodeposition, etc.) route. The benefits and drawbacks of various immobilisation techniques to obtain a high surface area TiO2 support are also discussed.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (99 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ An overview of the evolution in the use of different supports for the immobilisation of a semiconductor photocatalyst, titanium dioxide (TiO2). ▶ The preparation procedure and the type of substrates used greatly influence the photocatalytic activity of TiO2. ▶ A good immobilisation method depends on the type of support used, on the type of pollutants that are to be degraded and consideration of the immobilisation techniques and the photoreactor design.