Photodegradation of surfactants catalyzed by a TiO2 semiconductor

Abstract

The photo-oxidation of surfactants catalyzed by a TiO₂ semiconductor, which is one of the methods suggested to solve the problem of water pollution, is reviewed on the basis of our earlier reported experimental results. The photodegradation rates of different kinds of surfactants and of various moieties (aromatic, oxyethylene and alkyl groups) in the surfactant structure are discussed. A possible photo-oxidation mechanism at the TiO₂/water interface is proposed.