Abstract
TiO2 thin films, modified by acetylacetone (AcacH) in solution, were deposited on glass substrate by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and tested for photocatalytic activity in a multi-section continuous flow reactor by degradation of acetone and acetaldehyde under ultraviolet and visible light. The increase in molar ratio of AcacH in respect of titanium (IV) isopropoxide (TTIP) from 1:5 to 1:8 modified the electronic structure of the films, favoring enhanced photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic activity was enhanced approximately twofold on the film with molar ratio 1:8 under both irradiations; the film completely oxidized 10 ppm of acetone and acetaldehyde. The photocatalytic efficacy of TiO2 films in oxidation of air pollutants was three times higher compared to the industrial glass Pilkington ActivTM. Moreover, all the synthesized films indicate antibacterial efficiency against E. coli of over 99% under ultraviolet. TiO2 film, with TTIP:AcacH molar ratio 1:8 having great possibility for its commercial use as a material for indoor air purification.
Highlights
The modern lifestyle implies spending about 90% of time indoors
We have demonstrated that TiO2 thin films deposited by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis with specific material quantity of 0.2 mg/cm2 are effective in the decomposition of several volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as acetone, acetaldehyde and heptane [6]
All TiO2 thin films obtained in the current study indicate antibacterial activity, in addition to gas-phase photocatalytic oxidation of VOCs
Summary
The modern lifestyle implies spending about 90% of time indoors (office, home, shops, recreation centres, etc.). Concentrations of VOCs in the indoor air are up to 10 times higher than in the outdoor air since many products that are constantly used in daily life, for instance, air fresheners, cosmetics, some furniture or building materials and indoor activities like cooking release VOCs [3]. Modern homes built after 1970s are better insulated in order to obtain greater energy efficiency, which has minimized natural ventilation. According to the recommendations of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHREA) natural ventilation of living buildings should be able to replace 35% of the entire air by fresh outdoor air every hour. Due to insufficient natural ventilation, air pollutants may exist in indoor air for a longer time leading to long-term exposure of humans to these chemicals. In 1983, the term “Sick Building Syndrome” was introduced to describe the situations when people experience acute health problems or feel discomfort due to staying in the building [1]
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