Overview of pathogenic micro-organisms destruction in contaminated water by oxide photocatalysis

Abstract

The titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a semiconductor oxide photocatalys, which is chemically and biologically inert but exhibits excellent photolytic activity in the ultraviolet (UV) region. Progress in photocatalytic water disinfection requires understanding both concepts of TiO2 semiconductor as well the biochemistry of microorganisms. The advantage and disadvantage for current water purifications are discussed. Finally, the photocatalytic reactions to water disinfection and detoxification using solar energy.