Fundamental Studies of Photocatalysis on TiO2 Surfaces

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Photocatalytic oxidation of organic molecules at the surface of titania shows promise as a method for the remediation of organic contaminated groundwater, and the destruction of organic contaminants. This project by Professor Engel and his students at the University of Washington, supported in the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, addresses the detailed mechanism of this photocatalytic oxidation reaction. Ultra high vacuum molecular beam scattering methods, coupled with scanning probe microscopy for structural characterization of the titania surface, provide detailed mechanistic and dynamic information about several model reactions. In particular, acetone, formic acid and propanol are used as model organic species, and a range of photolysis conditions and surface conditions are investigated. The photocatalytic detoxification of organic contaminated groundwater is an important environmental remediation goal. The work of this project is designed to provide the basic understanding of this photocatalysis on promising substrates such as titanium dioxide. Structural and kinetic information is combined to supply a complete picture of the photocatalytic mechanism. This information will be useful in optimizing both the catalytic surface and the conditions for environmental remediation processes.*