Overview of the development of integrated photocatalytic adsorbents (IPCAs) for water treatment using titanium dioxide (TiO2) and activated carbon

Abstract

[Extract] Scientific studies using titanium dioxide photocatalysis to purify water began almost four decades ago and since then research effort has diversified into several different approaches. One of the newest methods is combining titanium dioxide and an adsorbent material to create integrated photocatalytic adsorbents (IPCAs). This chapter surveys and critically reviews studies involving IPCAs synthesized using titanium dioxide and activated carbon (AC). A brief introduction and history of photocatalysis is included and the technical, environmental, and economic advantages of IPCAs are outlined. The approaches used to create IPCAs are categorized according to AC type and the differing preparation methods are summarized. Various mathematical kinetic models developed for the IPCA systems are described. The research needs for photocatalytic water treatment are also explored and it is concluded that demonstration of the effectiveness of IPCAs in treating actual water and wastewater samples in pilot plant scale reactors is the next stage required in the development of this technology.