High Performance TiO2 Photocatalytic Coatings and Reactors for the Purification, Disinfection and Recycle of Water in Space Applications

The conditions for the synthesis of TiO₂ photocatalytic coatings on stainless steel using a novel P-25 powder modified sol gel method^1,2, including the loading of P-25 in the sol and the calcination temperature, have been optimized. The results showed that the TiO₂ film prepared from sol containing 50 g/L P-25 (PPMSGF-50) and calcined at 500°C for 1 hour exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity, a consolidated crystal structure and good mechanical stability. Moreover, there is almost no Cr³⁺ on the surface of the film. Therefore, it is a promising material to be used in the development of immobilized-type photocatalytic reactors for the purification, disinfection and recycle of water in space missions.