Aero-TiO2 three-dimensional nanoarchitecture for photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline

One of the biggest issues of wide bandgap semiconductor use in photocatalytic wastewater treatment is the reusability of the material and avoiding the contamination of water with the material itself. In this paper, we report on a novel TiO₂ aeromaterial (aero-TiO₂) consisting of hollow microtetrapods with Zn₂Ti₃O₈ inclusions. Atomic layer deposition has been used to obtain particles of unique shape allowing them to interlock thereby protecting the photocatalyst from erosion and damage when incorporated in active filters. The performance of the aero-TiO₂ material was investigated regarding photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline under UV and visible light irradiation. Upon irradiation with a 3.4 mW/cm² UV source, the tetracycline concentration decreases by about 90% during 150 min, while upon irradiation with a Solar Simulator (87.5 mW/cm²) the concentration of antibiotic decreases by about 75% during 180 min. The experiments conducted under liquid flow conditions over a photocatalyst fixed in a testing cell have demonstrated the proper reusability of the material.