Electrochemically produced nano-TiO2-coated SiC membranes for photocatalytic water treatment: Preparation, characterization, and hydroxyl radical formation

Photocatalytically active ceramic flat sheet membranes based on a nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO2) coating were produced for photocatalytic water treatment. The nano-TiO2 layer was produced by a novel combination of magnetron sputtering of a thin titanium layer on silicon carbide (SiC) membranes, followed by electrochemical oxidation (anodization) and subsequent heat treatment. Characterization by Raman spectra and field emission scanning electron microscopy proved the presence of a nanostructured anatase layer on the membranes. The influence of the titanium layer thickness on the TiO2 formation process and the photocatalytic properties were investigated using anodization curves, by using cyclovoltammetry measurements, and by quantifying the generated hydroxyl radicals (OH•) under UV-A irradiation in water. Promising photocatalytic activity and permeability of the nano-TiO2-coated membranes could be demonstrated. A titanium layer of at least 2 μm was necessary for significant photocatalytic effects. The membrane sample with a 10 μm Ti/TiO2 layer had the highest photocatalytic activity showing a formation rate of 1.26 × 10−6 mmol OH• s−1. Furthermore, the membranes were tested several times, and a decrease in radical formation was observed. Assuming that these can be attributed to adsorption processes of the reactants on the TiO2 surface, initial experiments were carried out to reactivate the photocatalyzer.