TiO2 Photocatalytic Oxidation: II. Gas-Phase Processes

The results of studies on the TiO2 photocatalytic oxidation of model air pollutants are summarized. The kinetics of photocatalytic oxidation of CO and the vapors of a number of simple organic substances was studied in detail. It was found that, in the course of reaction, all of the test substances underwent complete mineralization. Gaseous substrates were converted with the participation of several types of reaction centers. The photocatalytic oxidation of sulfur- and phosphorus-containing substances resulted in gradual deactivation of the photocatalyst; however, its activity can be restored by washing the photocatalyst with water. It was found that, along with oxidation, the steps of hydrolysis play an important role in the photocatalytic degradation of air pollutants, such as dimethyl methylphosphonate and 2-chloroethyl sulfide.