Photocatalytic Cr(VI) Reduction by Anodized TiO2

In this study, immobilized nanotubular TiO2 is used to reduce toxic Cr(VI) to non toxic Cr(III) in aqueous solution under UV irradiation. To overcome the limitation of powder TiO2, a novel technique of immobilization based on anodization was applied and investigated under various experimental conditions. Among the samples tested under same anodizing condition, the nanotubular TiO2 annealed at 450 oC and 550 oC showed higher reduction efficiencies of Cr(VI). In addition, the surface characterizations (zeta potential, XRD and SEM) of these samples proved that the Cr(VI) reduction efficiency was higher under acidic conditions and at a lower annealing temperature. Through this study, it was concluded that anodized TiO2 has the potential to be useful technology for environmental remediation as well as hydrogen production in water.