Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Synthesis, Characterization, And Photocatalytic Testing Of Titania-Based Aerogels For The Degradation Of Volatile Organic Compounds, Dayton Thomas Horvath

Honors Scholar Theses

The need to degrade volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) has grown with recent economic and environmental concerns. Advanced oxidation processes governing breakdown of VOC’s have received significant attention due to environmentally conscious practices and objectives. Photocatalysis is a logical approach for VOC removal in air because of minimal energy requirements and ease of implementation. Titania with high pore volume and surface area are synthesized using a modified sol-gel method in conjunction with carbon dioxide supercritical drying. Vanadium doping increases the visible absorption of titania aerogels. Solvent removal is achieved using a custom-built high pressure chamber designed for carbon dioxide supercritical drying. …