Description

Photocatalytic degradation is a cost-effective technology for the removal of volatile organic compounds. However, the mechanism of photocatalytic degradation of volatile organic compounds on TiO2 is still a challenging issue. Fortunately, infrared spectroscopy is a powerful technique, able to provide information about adsorption/desorption, intermediates/products, and interfacial reaction. The aim of this chapter is to review several aspects of our current understanding of the role of TiO2 in the degradation of volatile organic compounds, by using in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy. We firstly review the state of photocatalytic degradation of volatile organic compounds briefly. This is followed by a summary of in situ infrared techniques. The interaction of TiO2 surfaces with vapor organic molecules and other species is then reviewed with the representative works in recent years. It ends with a brief future outlook on the mechanism of photocatalytic air purification of TiO2.

Chapter