M TIO2 ANODES FOR PHOTOASSISTED ELECTROOXIDATION/

The semiconducting ceramics deposited on a porous metallic film acting both as catalyst and electronic collector present large photocurrents and considerably enhanced electrooxidation currents when illuminated in the presence of small amounts of alcohol vapors. In the present res earch, several types of thin, ''nanocrystalline'' TiO2 ceramics have b een deposited onto a porous, thin metallic (Au) him evaporated on a co mmercial glass fritt with fine porosity. Such composite layers, can be used under light irradiation to carry out photoassisted electrochemic al processes. The morphology of TiO2 ceramics prepared in three differ ent ways (painting, spray pyrolysis, and spin coating) have been exami ned by electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Their efficien cy in the photoassisted electrooxidation of alcohol vapors make them l ook promising for the decontamination of polluted air or waste water.