A comparative study over the photocatalytic activity of nanostructured TiO2 layers for air purifiers

The research here described presents an investigation over the efficiency of nanostructured TiO2 films as photocatalysts either in air purification systems or to be integrated in light devices, based on the exploitation of UV or Vis irradiation to induce the degradation of hazardous chemical compounds. Gas pollutants (NO) and dyes (rhodamine B) will be considered as model reactants. Several oxides were tested as photocatalytic substrates: nanostructured TiO2 films on metallic titanium were produced by different anodizing processes (crystalline oxides obtained by Anodic Spark Deposition, TiO2 nanotubes). The oxides activity was compared with that of different substrates (polymers, glasses) functionalized by depositing nanostructured TiO2 layers via sol-gel: commercial sol-gel solutions were used, provided by an industrial partner.