Photocatalysis of titanium dioxide for water disinfection : challenges and future perspectives

The performance of metal oxides such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), in the conversion of solar energy into chemical energy, is determined by semiconducting properties. The conversion process is closely related to the light-induced reactivity between oxide semiconductors and water, which may lead to partial water oxidation and consequently water disinfection. Key performance-related properties are considered here, including light absorption, light-induced ionisation over the band gap, charge separation, charge transport, charge transfer, and the chemical reactions taking place at anodic and cathodic sites. Optimisation of these interconnected performance-related properties is discussed, along with the photocatalytic application in water disinfection.