Summary

The proposed work is designed to fabricate a new photocatalyst based on titanium dioxide and clay minerals via a simple process that involves mechanical compression and firing technique. Although the existing photocatalyst materials fail to function efficiently due to binder incorporation, the proposed work will ensure the enhanced photocatalytic activity and durability through a binder-free technology. The knowledge of clay mineral processing by mechanical compression and heat treatment will be employed in the proposed work to achieve the desired properties related to composite photocatalyst. The enhanced photocatalytic activity can be expected for TiO2-clay photocatalyst along with higher mechanical strength (stability), mouldability, renewability and durability. Although many existing coatings/composites have a rather shorter shelf life, the longer shelf life is expected for proposed composite with substantially improved chemical resistant and durability even under prolonged exposure. Although the wastewater treatment at the industrial level seems to be a painstaking task under government policies/regulations and environmental pollution issues, the proposed composite can effectively overcome such impediments and also being a potential technology for wastewater purification under renewable energy of Sunlight/UV light.

Objectives

1. Development of effective and stable TiO2-clay composite photocatalyst in the form of a rod, plate, spheres, etc. to mineralize a broad spectrum of organic pollutants present in wastewater.
2. Patenting of the products and process.
3. Publications based on findings related to proposed work in SCI and peer-reviewed journals.
4. Technology transfer

Major Equipment Facilitated by Grant