The objective of this project is to study the photocatalytic oxidation of several representative organic contaminants of water as they are affected by altering the properties of the catalyst used in this process. The catalyst selected for this research project is titanium dioxide. The catalytic properties of this substance will be altered by subjecting it to various physical and chemical processes that alter its surface characteristics. The proposal leading to this award was submitted under conditions in the NSF Program Announcement titled: "Research Initiation Awards," NSF 88-99. The project addresses the problem of removing relatively small concentrations of organic pollutants from aqueous solution. The ultimate goal is a process for decontamination of water and removal of organics from wastewater that utilizes solar energy to drive the oxidation process. Results of this project may be applied in engineering design of water and wastewater treatment processes and systems.
