Improved photocatalytic activity of anisotropic rutile/anatase TiO2 nanoparticles synthesized by the Ti-peroxo complex method.
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.
Department of Chemistry, Federal University o.f São Carlos-UFSCAR, Rod. Washington Luiz, 13565-905 São Carlos, SP Brazil.
Rafael
R
Libanori
Rafael O
RO
da Silva
Caue
C
Ribeiro
Pnina
P
Ari-Gur
Edson R
ER
Leite
D002384:Catalysis; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods*; D008027:Light; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects; D008422:Materials Testing; D008968:Molecular Conformation / Q000528:radiation effects; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010316:Particle Size; D013499:Surface Properties / Q000528:radiation effects; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects
D046911:Macromolecular Substances; C009495:titanium dioxide; D014025:Titanium