Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi,

Due to my previous research I am planning to conduct an experiment on water treatment using nanotechnology. I do know if titanium dioxide is used as a photocatalyst it can be effective in purifying water. I am possibly going to test different combinations of UV light and sunlight in an urban environment for the activation of titanium dioxide (TiO_2 ). Titanium dioxide then will remove most inorganic and organic pollutants and some bacteria. I am also planning to test different types of filters made of titanium dioxide for an urban environment. So far this experiment will determine the most effective type of titanium dioxide filter using the optimal combination of UV and sunlight for the use of titanium dioxide as a photocatalyst in an urban environment like Madrona Marsh, Los Angeles. Do you have any suggestions on a direction I should start investigating? Any advice, references, or knowledge of other researchers working in this field that could be of help in conducting this experiment?

Thanks,

Andrew Palosaari

Andrew,
Interesting topic. The direction that you take is your own choice, and should depend on what interests you the most about this topic. You can get more ideas of active research in this area by running an online search for "titanium dioxide wastewater treatment". That will direct you to some recent research projects and general info. Please let us know if you have questions about any of the literature.

Chris