Nano-sized TiO 2 photocatalytic water-splitting technology has great potential for low-cost, environmentally friendly solar-hydrogen production to support the future hydrogen economy. Presently, the solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency is too low for the technology to be economically sound. The main barriers are the rapid recombination of photo-generated electron/hole pairs as well as backward reaction and the poor activation of TiO 2 by visible light. In response to these deficiencies, many investigators have been conducting research with an emphasis on effective remediation methods. Some investigators studied the effects of addition of sacrificial reagents and carbonate salts to prohibit rapid recombination of electron/hole pairs and backward reactions. Other research focused on the enhancement of photocatalysis by modification of TiO 2 by means of metal loading, metal ion doping, dye sensitization, composite semiconductor, anion doping and metal ion-implantation. This paper aims to review the up-to-date development of the above-mentioned technologies applied to TiO 2 photocatalytic hydrogen production. Based on the studies reported in the literature, metal ion-implantation and dye sensitization are very effective methods to extend the activating spectrum to the visible range. Therefore, they play an important role in the development of efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production.

A review and recent developments in photocatalytic water-splitting using TiO2 for hydrogen production

Even though heterogeneous photocatalysis appeared in many forms, photodegradation of organic pollutants has recently been the most widely investigated. By far, titania has played a much larger role in this scenario compared to other semiconductor photocatalysts due to its cost effectiveness, inert nature and photostability. Extensive literature analysis has shown many possibilities of improving the efficiency of photodecomposition over titania by combining the photoprocess with either physical or chemical operations. The resulting combined processes revealed a flexible line of action for wastewater treatment technologies. The choice of treatment method usually depends upon the composition of the wastewater. However, a lot more is needed from engineering design and modelling for successful application of the laboratory scale techniques to large-scale operation. The present review paper seeks to offer an overview of the dramatic trend in the use of the TiO 2 photocatalyst for remediation and decontamination of wastewater, report the recent work done, important achievements and problems.

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Heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants over titanium dioxide : A review of fundamentals, progress and problems

Decontamination and disinfection of water by solar photocatalysis: Recent overview and trends

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) constitute a promising technology for the treatment of wastewaters containing non-easily removable organic compounds. Chlorophenols (CPs) are a group of special interest due to their high toxicity and low biodegradability. Data concerning the degradation of CPs by means of AOPs reported during the period 1995–2002 are evaluated in this work. Among the AOPs, the following techniques are studied: processes based on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2+UV, Fenton, photo-Fenton and Fenton-like processes), photolysis, photocatalysis and processes based on ozone (O3, O3+UV and O3+catalyst). Half-life times and kinetic constants for CP degradation are reviewed and the different mechanistic degradation pathways are taken into account.

Chih Hua Chen

Papers

The influence of pH and cadmium sulfide on the photocatalytic degradation of 2-chlorophenol in titanium dioxide suspensions.