Construction of self‐organized free‐standing TiO2 nanotube arrays for effective disinfection of drinking water

BACKGROUND: In this study, the efficacy of disinfection surface water using anodic TiO₂ films was investigated. The as‐prepared photocatalyst demonstrated excellent photocatalytic disinfection of E. coli cells. Free‐standing and self‐organized TiO₂ nanotube arrays were synthesized via a facile electrochemical anodization method, prior to calcination. RESULTS: Over 95% of the initial 10⁶ cpu mL^?1 E. coli cells were inactivated within 50 min of UV‐A photocatalytic disinfection, despite the influence of various ionic species and organic compounds commonly present in groundwater. This was justified by the unique double‐walled nanotubular structure of the TiO₂ photocatalyst, which provided efficient delocalization of electron carriers and promoted anti‐recombination of photogenerated pairs of electrons and holes. Based on the experimental results obtained, cations enhanced the overall disinfection process while anions had an inhibitory effect on disinfection rates. CONCLUSION: The photocatalyst exhibited high efficiency in terms of photocatalytic disinfection of E. coli cells present in groundwater. It is deemed promising for applications in drinking water treatment owing to its superior disinfection performance, as well as high settleability, which promotes recovery and reuse of the catalyst. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry