Applications of TiO₂ for photocatalytic water treatment

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is regarded as a promising material for water treatment due to its superior photocatalytic properties, nontoxicity, and chemical stability. This chapter provides a review on some of the recent progress in the utilization of TiO₂ for water purification, with a particular focus on materials design, reactor configurations, and various engineering aspects. Advanced material design strategies have been developed, aiming to enhance TiO₂ performance, such as doping, surface modification, and the creation of nanocomposites. The success of several pilot scale tests for water treatment systems using TiO₂ photocatalysts suggests there is a potential for this technology in larger scale applications. Engineering aspects, such as kinetic analysis and cost evaluation are considered to provide a comprehensive understanding of the feasibility and efficiency of TiO₂ -based treatments. Technology readiness level scale was used to assess the status of the photocatalysis and highlight the improvements that are needed to advance this technique. Furthermore, cost analysis presents an overview of the economic viability, considering both initial investment and operational expenses of TiO₂ photocatalysis for water treatment. Finally, existing challenges and future perspectives in the scale-up and implementation of TiO₂ technologies for industrial applications are explored. Issues such as environmental impact, regulatory compliance, and potential solutions for overcoming current limitations are discussed to guide future research and development efforts. By summarizing current findings and technological advancements, this chapter aims to provide a holistic view of using TiO₂ in water treatment, highlighting its potential and charting a path forward for its real-world applications.