title: Microwave-induced fast crystallization of amorphous hierarchical anatase microspheres.
abstract: The fabrication of hierarchical anatase microspheres with potential photocatalytic properties eventually comprises a consolidation step in which a high degree of crystalline order is typically achieved through conventional electric heating treatments. This however entails a substantial reduction in the specific surface area and porosity of the powders, with the consequent deterioration in their photocatalytic response. Here, we have tested the employ of microwave heating as an alternative energy-saving sintering method to promote fast crystallization. The results obtained suggest that under the microwave radiation, the TiO2 hierarchical structures can effectively crystallize in a drastically reduced heating time, allowing the specific surface area and the porosity to be kept in the high values required for an improved photocatalytic performance.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Cerámica y Vidrio, CSIC, c/Kelsen 5, Campus de Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain.
authors.forename: David G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Calatayud
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Cerámica y Vidrio, CSIC, c/Kelsen 5, Campus de Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain.
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jardiel
authors.affiliation: POEMMA-CEMDATIC, ETSI Telecomunicación, (UPM), Av. Complutense 30, Madrid 28040, Spain.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Peiteado
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Cerámica y Vidrio, CSIC, c/Kelsen 5, Campus de Cantoblanco, Madrid 28049, Spain.
authors.forename: Amador C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Caballero
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Group of Photocatalysis and Spectroscopy Applied to the Environment (FEAM), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus de Tafira, Gran Canaria 35017, Spain ; INAEL Electrical Systems, S.A. c/Jarama 5, Toledo 45007, Spain.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fernández-Hevia
keywords: Hierarchical microspheres; Microwave heating; Nanoparticles; Photocatalysis; TiO2 anatase