Abstract
A new class of sol-gel-derived photocatalytic materials has been synthesized and used in solar-assisted photodegradation studies. The materials are comprised of a homogeneous dispersion of commercial TiO2 powder into silica and organically modified silicate (Ormosil) hosts. The efficiency of the photocatalytic properties of these TiO2-containing materials was determined by their relative performance in the solar photodecomposition of aqueous rhodamine B. The improved adsorption properties of the modified materials compared to commercial TiO2 increase the photodecomposition rate and the buoyancy properties, although excess hydrophobicity decreases the wetted section of the catalyst and its photocatalytic performance. These materials can be used as floatable catalysts for solar-assisted water purification.
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