Improved photocatalytic activity of anisotropic rutile/anatase TiO2 nanoparticles synthesized by the Ti-peroxo complex method

J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 2012 Jun;12(6):4678-84. doi: 10.1166/jnn.2012.6165.

Abstract

Anisotropic rutile/anatase TiO2 nanoparticles (AB-TiO2) were synthesized by the Ti-peroxo complex method. Their photocatalytic activity in the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) was evaluated and compared to that of commercial TiO2 P25 and TiO2 obtained through the benzyl alcohol route (OB-TiO2). The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR in DRIFT mode), Field-Emission Scanning Electronic Microscopy (FEG-SEM), N2 physisorption and UV-visible spectroscopy. Photodegradation of RhB was carried out under visible light and the results revealed a remarkable photocatalytic activity of the AB-TiO2 in terms of surface area. The excellent performance of the AB-TiO2 was explained in light of the synergistic effect of the coexistence of anatase/rutile phases, anisotropy and irreversible adsorption of organic species during sol-gel synthesis. UV-visible measurements also indicated that N-deethylation and photobleaching mechanisms occur to different extents, depending on the surface composition of the photocatalyst.

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Crystallization / methods*
  • Light
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Macromolecular Substances / radiation effects
  • Materials Testing
  • Molecular Conformation / radiation effects
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / radiation effects
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure*
  • Particle Size
  • Surface Properties / radiation effects
  • Titanium / chemistry*
  • Titanium / radiation effects

Substances

  • Macromolecular Substances
  • titanium dioxide
  • Titanium