A novel system for producing photocatalytic titanium dioxide‐coated fibers for decomposing organic pollutants in water

We described a novel system for applying titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) particles on the surface of transparent plastic fibers and the use of the coated fibers as photocatalysts to decompose organic pollutants in water. We examined several coating parameters to identify the optimum conditions and used the coated fibers to decompose organic pollutants in simulated waste solutions. The coated fibers were scattered on the water surface and the catalytic reaction proceeded during several days of exposure to sunlight. After completion the decomposition process, the coated fibers were easily recovered using a filter. A simple model is also presented to explain the experimental findings. This method is useful for purifying contaminated water under solar illumination and requires very little energy input. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 42–51, 2013.