Synthesis of Ag/TiO2/Graphene Nano-sandwich Catalyst for the Efficient Removal of Recalcitrant Chemicals in Drinking Water Supplies Using Visible Light

Commonly used processes to treat drinking water supplies cannot remove the nonbiodegradable chemicals such as endocrine disruptors. Increasing evidence of the potential impact from these non-biodegradable chemicals on human health is documented in many research reports.[1] Utilizing solar energy coupled with a catalyst such as TiO2 to treat drinking water is a possible solution to ease our need for clean water supplies. Using a TiO2 photocatalyst is not efficient because of its ability to function by absorbing only UV light (only 4% of the solar energy). In the proposed work, we will develop a strategy to develop a Ag/TiO2/graphene nano-sandwich photocatalyst by modifying TiO2 to facilitate the absorption of visible light. The Ag/TiO2/graphene nano-sandwich photocatalyst will be more efficient by absorbing 43% of the visible-light energy in the light spectrum and then degrade nonbiodegradable chemicals in drinking water supplies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jerald Lalman

Student:

Partner:

Université Pierre et Marie Curie

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Windsor

Program: