Immobilization of TiO2 photocatalyst particles on stainless steel substrates by electrolytically deposited Pd and Cu

A novel process to immobilize oxide particles with electrolytically deposited metals as binders was proposed. Commercial TiO2 photocatalyst particles, P25, were successfully immobilized on the surface of stainless steel substrates with Pd and Cu by this process. The effects of the conditions of electrolysis and the composition of the source solutions on the amount and the morphology of the particles accumulated on the surface were investigated. Addition of another particle with superior dispersibility, NanoTek, and sonication during electrodeposition were important to inhibit agglomeration of the particles and to achieve uniform and dense immobilization. Photocatalytic activity, which was evaluated by photobleaching of methylene blue solution, of the immobilized particles was as high as 50% of the particles suspended in the solution.