TiO2 films for self-detection and decontamination

Abstract

Methods that rapidly detect, characterize, quantify, and decontaminate surfaces are essential following chemical or biological incidents. Our work focused on developing a "smart" surface, one that monitors itself and the overlying atmosphere and triggers a decontamination step when surface contamination is detected. Titanium dioxide was used to coat a ceramic surface containing skeletal impregnated platinum electrodes. The electrical resistance of the surface became altered by the introduction of a contaminant into the overlying atmosphere and its chemisorption to the surface. This change in resistance in turn initiated illumination by an external ultraviolet lamp to induce photocatalytic oxidation of the sorbed contaminant. Film resistance was concentration-dependent, allowing self-decontamination to be triggered at set pollutant levels. Preliminary results suggest that advanced surfaces and films can be developed to identify contaminant type and concentration and to initiate photocatalytic decontamination to meet regulatory or safety standards. Copyright © 2008 Laura R. Skubal et al.