Research on TiO2-Based Photocatalyst Thin Film and Its Application in a Pilot-Scale Supply Water Treatment System
The-Vinh Nguyen, Nguyen Pham Khuong Duy and Le Thi Xinh
Faculty of Environment, Hochiminh City University of Technology, Hochiminh City, Vietnam
Received 5 October 2008; Accepted 29 November 2008
Abstract
In order to utilize the abundant natural sunlight in Hochiminh City for energy-saving purpose, the application of TiO2-based photocatalyst thin film coated on ceramic beads in a pilot-scale supply water treatment system of 2 m3/day was studied in this present work. The photocatalyst thin film was prepared by sol-gel and spray coating methods. The derived photocatalyst thin film presented high BET specific surface area of more than 160 m2/g while it also maintained good
crystallinity. These superior physicochemical properties of the photocatalyst were well consistent with its strong photoactivity in the pilot-scale supply water treatment system. Groundwater after passed through ferric removal and sandfilter systems was treated in the pilot-scale supply water treatment system using the photocatalyst thin film. The COD, TOC and coliform removal efficiencies were measured at 63%, 51% and 100%, respectively by using the above system under natural sunlight in Hochiminh City.
Keywords: photocatalysis; TiO2 thin film; supply water treatment; pilot-scale
* corresponding author : Dr. The-Vinh Nguyen