Apatite-Coated Titanium Dioxide Photocatalyst

Abstract

We developed a multifunctional composite material with a titanium dioxide surface covered by apatite for application in air purification and as an antimicrobial, antifungal, and antifouling coating. This composite has a function to absorb and decompose bacteria and various other materials. TiO 2 powder were soaked in a pseudo- body solution containing phosphate ions in excess for 1 day at 37°C. This composite material has the following characteristics: (1) the apatite adsorbs materials even without exposure to light; (2) materials adsorbed by the apatite are decomposed by the titanium dioxide photocatalyst on exposure to light; (3) the apatite is used as a spacer, allowing blending of the material with resins, organic coatings, and other organic materials; (4) though the photocatalyst requires a fixed interval to decompose organic materials, capture of materials by the apatite ensures decomposition.