Abstract:Using an organometallic precursor, TiO 2 coatings were fabricated on surfaces of quartz, zircon and rutile sands. X-ray Diffraction, X-ray Fluorescence, UV-Vis spectroscopy and surface area measurement were used to characterise support materials. The phase composition and morphology of the coatings were characterised by laser Raman spectroscopy and SEM respectively. A packed bed reactor was used to study the inactivation of Escherichia coli in recirculating water by the supported photocatalysts. It was found that the sand grains were well coated with a homogenous layer of TiO 2 and coatings were well adhered, exhibiting a mixed anatase-rutile composition after firing at 850°C.Photocatalytic activity was highest in coatings applied to quartz sand, although sterilisation of the recirculating water was not achieved with any of the materials investigated. The advantages of quartz as a TiO 2 photocatalyst support material are likely a result of this material's higher purity and optical transmittance. Potential enhancement through Si doping cannot be ruled out.