THE INCORPORATION OF TITANIA INTO MODIFIED SILICATES FOR SOLAR PHOTODEGRADATION OF AQUEOUS SPECIES

A new class of sol-gel-derived photocatalytic materials has been synth esized and used in solar-assisted photodegradation studies. The materi als are comprised of a homogeneous dispersion of commercial TiO2 powde r into silica and organically modified silicate (Ormosil) hosts. The e fficiency of the photocatalytic properties of these TiO2-containing ma terials was determined by their relative performance in the solar phot odecomposition of aqueous rhodamine B. The improved adsorption propert ies of the modified materials compared to commercial TiO2 increase the photodecomposition rate and the buoyancy properties, although excess hydrophobicity decreases the wetted section of the catalyst and its ph otocatalytic performance. These materials can be used as floatable cat alysts for solar-assisted water purification.