Observation of Diatom Settling and Photocatalytic Antifouling on TiO_2 Using ATR-IR Spectroscopy

摘要

The settling of marine diatoms Amphora coffeaeformis onto a photocatalytic titanium dioxide surface was monitored by ATR-IR. Attachment of the diatoms via their mucilaginous secretions was monitored via observation of protein amide I and II linkages, carboxylate linkages from a uronic acid polysaccharide, and sulfate ester groups. Exposure to UV-A light resulted in the rapid removal of the groups attached to the photocatalyst surface, demonstrating the potential antifouling capability of a TiO_2 anatase surface.