Optimization of the microstructure of TiO2 photocatalytic surfaces created by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation of titanium substrates

UV treatments are commonly employed for removal of pollutants from water in industrial environments. Introduction a suitable photocatalyst can be beneficial improving the energy efficiency. This involves creating powerful reactive oxygen species that able to degrade pollutants. However, is required have both high surface area (accessible irradiation light source) and mechanically robust. TiO2 well-known photocatalyst, use under illumination. paper concerns production photocatalytic via Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) titanium substrates. PEO Ti results highly porous coatings adhere strongly robust metallic substrate. Characteristics electrical discharges, which central process, been studied using high-speed photography. These correlated with microstructure resultant coating. The performance has evaluated UV-C illumination, urea as model pollutant, modelling liquid flow over surfaces performed COMSOL. Photocatalytic activity enhanced on samples roughness area, tend produced after intermediate processing times (8 min). explained terms how fluid disrupted rough surfaces, reducing thickness hydrodynamic boundary layer increasing interaction between pollutant catalytic surface.