Synthesis and modification of TiO₂ nanowires for wastewater purification with photocatalytic applications

Rapid industrialization has led to increasing environmental pollution, with complex organic contaminants that can accumulate in environment. If dispersed, these contaminants can generate serious problems not only for humans, but also for animal organisms living in the waters of our planet. These project aims to develop an effective method for removing pollutants from wastewater using photo-driven advanced oxidation processes. In detail, focusing on one of the most used photocatalysts, the study investigates how TiO₂ nanowires act on the photodegradation of two contaminants commonly found in contaminated waters: ciprofloxacin and rhodamine B. TiO₂ nanowires were synthesized via hydrothermal methods and modified with phosphorus, selenium and a mixture of both elements to explore the changes on their structural and photocatalytic performance. The morphology of the nanowires was confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy, while the crystalline structure was revealed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Raman spectroscopy further validated the composition and crystalline phase and Diffusive Reflectance Spectroscopy gave an overview of the light absorbance capability of the system. Photocatalytic efficiency was assessed by testing the synthesized systems in aqueous solutions with the target molecules, under UV and Simulated Solar Light at ambient conditions. UV-Vis spectroscopy was employed to monitor and identify the degradation of organic compounds by the photoactive samples.