New photocatalytic contactors obtained by PECVD deposition of TiO

Two different kinds of PECVD anatase-based composite membranes have been successfully prepared by PECVD synthesis (at 150 ∘C)/post-annealing (at 300 ∘C) of a titania film deposited on macroporous supports as a top-layer or a skin-coverage. Photocatalytic activity of PECVD anatase films has been proved performing Pilkington test and methylene blue degradation determination in a lab-scale diffusion cell. Measurements of methylene blue degradation and water flow in a pilot-scale dynamic unit have enabled to show the performance of PECVD anatase-based membranes in terms of permeation and photocatalytic properties. Whereas bi-layered membranes present higher photo-degradation ability (up to 2.5 × 10−8 mol s−1 m−2 destroyed methylene blue moles per unit of time and of membrane surface area), skin-covered membranes are characterized by higher water permeance (up to 6800 L h−1 m−2 bar−1). So both kinds of membranes should have an interest as photocatalytic contactors