Synthesis and photocatalytic properties of Palladium-loaded three dimensional flower-like anatase TiO2 with dominant {001} facets

J Colloid Interface Sci. 2016 Apr 1:467:1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2015.12.053. Epub 2015 Dec 29.

Abstract

Palladium-loaded (Pd-loaded) anatase TiO2 with dominant {001} facets used as photocatalysts was prepared by a two-step process. Three dimensional flower-like structures of anatase TiO2 with exposed {001} facets were synthesized by solvothermal method, and then Pd nanoparticles were photodeposited onto the {101} surface of TiO2 by UV reduction. The resulting Pd/TiO2 was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra. Characterization results indicated that the flower-like structures of anatase TiO2 were assembled by two dimensional nanosheets with a thickness of approximately 10nm and a length of approximately 1.0μm. The Pd/TiO2 nanocomposites with improved visible-light-harvesting capability, high charge-hole mobility, and low electron-hole recombination exhibited improved photocatalytic performance in degrading bisphenol A. This study provided new insights into the fabrication and practical application of high-performance photocatalysts in degrading organic pollutants.

Keywords: Extended light absorption; Pd/TiO(2) nanocomposites; Photocatalysis; Photodeposition; {001} Facets.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't