Comparing the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 at macro- and microscopic scales

This study focuses on the characterization of photocatalytic TiO2 coatings using Kelvin probe force microscopy. While most photocatalytic experiments are carried out at a macroscopic scale, Kelvin probe force microscopy is a microscopic technique that is surface sensitive. In order to link microscale results to macroscopic experiments, a simple method to establish the relation between Kelvin probe force microscopy and electrochemical measurements is presented by the calibration of a reference sample consisting of epitaxial deposited Cu-Ni-Au that is used as a transfer standard. The photocatalytic properties of TiO2 at macro- and microscopic scales are investigated by comparing photocatalytic degradation of acetone and electrochemical experiments to Kelvin probe force microscopy. The good agreement between the macro- and microscopic experiments suggests that Kelvin probe force microscopy can be a valuable tool towards the understanding, standardization and design of TiO2-based solutions in photocatalytic applications.