An easier method of preparation of mesoporous anatase TiO2 nanoparticles via ultrasonic irradiation

Mesoporous anatase TiO₂ nanopowder was synthesised by the sol–gel method using ultrasonic irradiation. This method is simple and faster for the synthesis of phase pure mesoporous anatase TiO₂ nanopowder. The product is characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM), thermo gravimetric analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Analysis of XRD patterns, SEM and TEM image shows that the average particles size is of 19.9 nm and has an anatase structure. The mesoporous nature was determined by the BET method using the Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH) model.     

Optical and photocatalytic properties of the Fe-doped TiO2 nanoparticles loaded on the activated carbon

In this work, Fe-doped (1?wt%) TiO₂ loaded on the activated carbon nano-composite was prepared using a sol-gel method. A prepared nano-composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), BET surface area, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The photocatalytic activity of the nano-composite was evaluated through degradation of synthetic textile wastewater, reactive red 198, under visible light irradiations. The XRD result indicated that the TiO₂ nano-composite contained only anatase phase. The surface area of the TiO₂ increased from 48?m²/g to 100?m²/g through the fabrication of the nano-composite. The FE-SEM results indicate that the TiO₂ particles with an average particle size of 35–70?nm can be deposited homogeneously on the activated carbon surface. DRS showed that the Fe doping in the TiO₂ -activated carbon nano-composite induced a significant red shift of the absorption edge and then the band gap energy decreased from 3.3 to 2.9?eV. Photocatalytic results indicated that the photocatalytic activity of the Fe doped TiO₂ increased under visible light irradiation in the presence of the activated carbon.     

Photocatalytic degradation of indigo carmine dye using TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> impregnated activated carbon

The photocatalytic degradation of indigo carmine dye was studied using hydrothermally prepared TiO₂ impregnated activated carbon (TiO₂: AC). A comparison between the degradation of the indigo carmine dye using commercial TiO₂ and TiO₂: AC revealed the efficiency of the title compound. The degradation reaction was optimized with respect to the dye concentration and catalyst amount. The reduction in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) revealed the mineralization of dye along with colour removal. The active compound like TiO₂ was impregnated onto the activated carbon surface under mild hydrothermal conditions (<250°C, P ∼ 40 bars). The impregnated activated carbon samples were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM).     

A new method to prepare high-surface-area N-TiO2/activated carbon

A new method, combining impregnation and vapor-hydrolysis, was developed to prepare hybrid photocatalyst: nitrogen doped TiO₂ coated activated carbon (N-TiO₂/AC). The activated carbon (AC) was impregnated into titanium tetraethoxide/urea/methanol solution, and then the impregnated AC powder was kept in water vapor at 90 °C for 3 h for hydrolysis. Then it was calcinated to fabricate N-TiO₂/AC. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results showed that the nitrogen doped TiO₂ (N-TiO₂) in the as-synthesized hybrid was anatase TiO₂ powder with 10-20 nm in grain size, and the bandgap was about 3.08 eV. Moreover, the hybrid photocatalyst (8 wt.% N-TiO₂) had high specific surface area that was up to 1321 m²/g. The hybrid photocatalyst is expected to have high photocatalytic performance with visible irradiation.     

Growth of carbon nanotubes over Fe-Co and Ni-Co catalysts supported on different phases of TiO2 substrate by thermal CVD

The aim of this work is to examine the properties of CNTs formed on Fe-Co and Ni-Co bimetallic catalysts supported on different phases of TiO₂ (anatase and rutile) by wet impregnation method. The CNTs are grown from decomposition of acetylene via Thermal CVD at 700°C using the prepared catalysts. The nanomaterials were characterized by XRD, Xmap, BET, FESEM, TEM, and Raman spectroscopy. It was found that the catalyst samples supported on rutile TiO₂ have higher specific surface area, smaller catalytic nanoparticles with denser distribution and very more activity compared to anatase ones. Consequently, the CNTs nucleated from nanoparticles supported on rutile TiO₂ possess higher density, smaller average diameters and narrower diameter distribution compared to grown CNTs on anatase samples. Moreover, it was observed that the Fe-Co bimetallic catalysts regardless of TiO₂ support phase, possesses more catalytic activity and higher average growth rate of CNTs in compare with Ni-Co catalysts.     

Photocatalytic degradation of formaldehyde by nanostructured TiO2 composite films

Interest in the photocatalytic oxidation of formaldehyde from contaminated wastewater is growing rapidly. The photocatalytic activity of the nanocrystalline Fe³⁺/F^? co-doped TiO₂–SiO₂ composite film for the degradation of formaldehyde solution under visible light was discussed in this study. The films were characterised by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET surface area, UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The FE-SEM results revealed that the Fe³⁺/F^? co-doped TiO₂–SiO₂ film was composed of uniform round-like nanoparticles or aggregates with the size range of 5–10 nm. The XRD results indicated that only the anatase phase was observed in the film. Compared with a pure TiO₂ film and a singly modified TiO₂ film, the Fe³⁺/F^? co-doped TiO₂–SiO₂ composite film showed the best photocatalytic properties due to its strong visible light adsorption and diminished electrons-holes recombination.     

Low temperature facile synthesis of anatase TiO2 coated multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites

Anatase TiO₂ coated multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) nanocomposites were prepared by combining the sol-gel method with a self assembly technique at a low temperature. XRD, TEM, FTIR and XPS spectra were applied to characterize the crystal phase, microstructure, and other physicochemical properties of the sample. The results showed that MWNTs were covered with a 12-20 nm thickness layer of anatase TiO₂ or surrounded by a 30 -290 nm thickness coating of anatase TiO₂. The layer or coating is constructed of TiO₂ nanoparticles about 5.8 nm. Furthermore, as-prepared composite was rich in surface hydroxyl groups.     

Preparation of N-methylaniline capped mesoporous TiO2 spheres by simple wet chemical method

Pure anatase mesoporous TiO₂ nanospheres were synthesized by simple wet chemical treatment and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results revealed that the surface morphology of the TiO₂ spheres could be controlled by adjusting the concentration of N-methylaniline and that the average diameter of the TiO₂ spheres was 600 nm. FTIR results confirmed the formation of N-methylaniline capped TiO₂ nanospheres.     

Synthesis of highly-active single-crystalline TiO2 nanorods and its application in environmental photocatalysis

Highly-active anatase TiO₂ nanorods have been successfully synthesized via a simple two-step method, hydrothermal treatment of anatase/rutile titanium dioxide nanoparticle powder in a composite-hydroxide eutectic system of 1:1 M KOH/NaOH, followed by acid post-treatment. The morphology and crystalline structure of the obtained nanorods were characterized using XRD, TEM, SEM/EDX and BET surface area analyzer. The obtained TiO₂ nanorods have a good crystallinity and a size distribution (about 4-16 nm); with the dimensions of 200-300 nm length and of 30-50 nm diameter. Compared with its precursor anatase/rutile TiO₂ nanoparticles and the titanate nanotubes, the pure anatase TiO₂ nanorods have a large specific surface area with a mesoporous structure. The photocatalytic performance of the prepared nanorods was tested in the degradation of the commercial Cibacrown Red (FN-R) textile dye, under UV irradiation. Single-crystalline anatase TiO₂ nanorods are more efficient for the dye removal.     

Impregnation of ZnO onto activated carbon under hydrothermal conditions and its photocatalytic properties

Zinc oxide photocatalyst was impregnated onto the activated carbon under mild hydrothermal conditions (T=150°C, P = 20–30 bars) to form a ZnO:AC composite material. The ZnO:AC composite was characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), BET surface area measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As-prepared ZnO:AC composite exhibited higher photocatalytic activity when compared to the commercial ZnO and untreated activated carbon; this was testified by the degradation of acid violet dye using ZnO:AC and commercial ZnO. The effect of various parameters such as initial dye concentration, catalyst loading, pH of the medium, source and intensity of illumination on the photocatalytic degradation of acid violet using ZnO:AC were investigated. Real time textile effluents have also been considered for the degradation using ZnO:AC composites. The reduction in the chemical oxygen demand (COD) values of the treated effluents revealed a complete destruction of the organic molecules along with the color removal.     

Photocatalytic degradation of dyes and organic contaminants in water using nanocrystalline anatase and rutile TiO2

Nanocrystalline TiO₂ was synthesized by controlled hydrolysis of titanium tetraisopropoxide. The anatase phase was converted to rutile phase by thermal treatment at 1023 K for 11 h. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier-transform infrared absorption spectrophotometry (FT-IR) and N₂ adsorption (BET) at 77 K. This study compare the photocatalytic activity of the anatase and rutile phases of nanocrystalline TiO₂ for the degradation of acetophenone, nitrobenzene, methylene blue and malachite green present in aqueous solutions. The initial rate of degradation was calculated to compare the photocatalytic activity of anatase and rutile nanocrystalline TiO₂ for the degradation of different substances under ultraviolet light irradiation. The higher photocatalytic activity was obtained in anatase phase TiO₂ for the degradation of all substances as compared with rutile phase. It is concluded that the higher photocatalytic activity in anatase TiO₂ is due to parameters like band-gap, number of hydroxyl groups, surface area and porosity of the catalyst.     

Characterization and photoactivity of TiO2 sols prepared with triethylamine

Using triethylamine as a surface protective agent, a transparent and pale yellowish TiO₂ sol had been prepared at 90 °C. This method was very different from the traditional methods, which produced titanium dioxide nanoparticles with anatase crystalline structure either at high acid condition or high temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM) demonstrated that the as-prepared TiO₂ sol nanoparticles with anatase crystalline structure were uniformly distributed, and the average size was 3 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-vis absorption spectra showed that triethylamine was adsorbed on TiO₂ sol particles surface. FTIR spectroscopy noted that TiO₂ sol particles had the similar spectra with Degussa P25. Photoactivity of the as-prepared TiO₂ sol was studied by investigating the photodegradation of methyl violet in hydrosol reaction system under visible light irradiation.     

Microstructures and Photocatalytic Properties of S Doped Nanocrystalline TiO2 Films

The nanocrystalline S doped titanium dioxide films were successfully prepared by the improved sol-gel process. Here TiO(C₄H₉O)₄ and CS(NH₂)₂ were used as precursors of titania and sulfur, respectively. The as-prepared specimens were characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities of the films were evaluated by degradation of organic dyes in aqueous solution. The results of XRD, FE-SEM, and BET analyses indicated that the TiO₂ films were composed of nanoparticles. S doping could obviously not only suppress the formation of brookite phase but also inhibit the transformation of anatase to rutile at high temperature. Compared with pure TiO₂ film, S doped TiO₂ film exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity. It is believed that the surface microstructure of the modified films is responsible for improving the photocatalytic activity.     

Development of a novel fast-hydrothermal method for synthesis of Ag-doped TiO2 nanocrystals

Undoped and Ag-doped TiO₂ anatase nanocrystals were successfully prepared from titanium isopropoxide by a novel fast-hydrothermal method. The as-prepared TiO₂ nanocrystals were characterized by XRD, DRUV-VIS spectroscopy and SEM/EDX. The results show that the anatase TiO₂ has a particle size of around 4 nm from SEM and XRD results.     

Photocatalytic degradation of dyes and organic contaminants in water using nanocrystalline anatase and rutile TiO2

Nanocrystalline TiO₂ was synthesized by controlled hydrolysis of titanium tetraisopropoxide. The anatase phase was converted to rutile phase by thermal treatment at 1023 K for 11 h. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier-transform infrared absorption spectrophotometry (FT-IR) and N₂ adsorption (BET) at 77 K. This study compare the photocatalytic activity of the anatase and rutile phases of nanocrystalline TiO₂ for the degradation of acetophenone, nitrobenzene, methylene blue and malachite green present in aqueous solutions. The initial rate of degradation was calculated to compare the photocatalytic activity of anatase and rutile nanocrystalline TiO₂ for the degradation of different substances under ultraviolet light irradiation. The higher photocatalytic activity was obtained in anatase phase TiO₂ for the degradation of all substances as compared with rutile phase. It is concluded that the higher photocatalytic activity in anatase TiO₂ is due to parameters like band-gap, number of hydroxyl groups, surface area and porosity of the catalyst.     

Large-scale synthesis and characterization of fan-shaped rutile TiO2 nanostructures

Large-scale fan-shaped rutile TiO₂ nanostructures have been synthesized by means of a simple hydrothermal method using only TiCl₄ as titanium source and chloroform/water as solvents. The physicochemical features of the fan-shaped TiO₂ nanostructures are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), nitrogen absorption-desorption, diffuse reflectance ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Structural characterization indicates that the fan-shaped TiO₂ nanostructures are composed of several TiO₂ nanorods with diameters of about 5 nm and lengths of 300-350 nm. The average pore size and BET surface area of the fan-shaped TiO₂ nanostructures are 6.2 nm and 59 m²/g, respectively. Optical adsorption investigation shows that the fan-shaped TiO₂ nanostructures possess optical band gap energy of 3.11 eV.     

FTIR study of the photocatalytic degradation of gaseous benzene over UV-irradiated TiO2 nanoballs synthesized by hydrothermal treatment in alkaline solution

In this study, photocatalysts of TiO₂ nanoballs were obtained via a hydrothermal treating of commercial P25 in alkaline solution, and then characterized with SEM, XRD, BET and surface photovoltage spectroscopy techniques. The UV-assisted photodegradation of gaseous benzene over P25 and the prepared TiO₂ nanoballs was monitored by an in situ infrared technique. The results demonstrated that the prepared TiO₂ nanoballs in anatase form were more active than commercial P25 in photocatalytic oxidation of gaseous benzene. The promoted activity of the hydrothermal-treated TiO₂ is attributed to the increasing specific surface area and larger band gap induced by the reduced crystallite size. The spectra of FTIR indicated that weakly adsorbed phenol was formed as the reaction progress. Hydroxyl groups on the surface of TiO₂ nanoballs are able to react with photo-produced phenol, which is then retained on the catalyst surface leading to the progressive deactivation of the catalyst in the gas-solid system.     

Prolonging the combustion duration of wood by TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> coating synthesized using cosolvent-controlled hydrothermal method

Thin TiO₂ coating was grown on wood surface using a cosolvent-controlled hydrothermal method. The surface morphology, chemical composition, and functional groups were examined by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The crystalline phase of TiO₂ was investigated by the X-ray diffraction (XRD). The combustion test was carried out on the Dual Analysis Cone Calorimeter, according to the fire testing standard ISO 5660-1. Resulted from the combined analysis of SEM and EDXA, FTIR and XRD, it was demonstrated that the anatase TiO₂ layer accompanying some spheral morphology chemically bonded to wood surface with intact and smooth appearance. The significant differences in combustion parameters between the untreated and the TiO₂ coated wood were observed. In comparison to the untreated wood, the burning time of TiO₂ coated wood was doubled, and the smoke, CO, CO₂ emissions were markedly reduced. As a result, the TiO₂ coating can effectively act as a protective layer to prolong the combustion duration of wood and prevent the harmful gas from spreading.     

Magnetically separable composite photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic activity

A novel magnetically separable composite photocatalyst, anatase titania-coated magnetic activated carbon (TMAC), was prepared in this article. In the synthesis, magnetic activated carbon (MAC) was firstly obtained by adsorbing magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles onto the activated carbon (AC), and then the obtained MAC was directly coated by anatase titania nanoparticles prepared at low temperature (i.e. 75 °C). The prepared samples were characterized by XRD, SEM and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The composite photocatalyst can be easily separated from solution by a magnet, its photocatalytic activity in degradation of phenol in aqueous solution also has dramatic enhancement compared to that of the neat titania.     

Growth of hydrophobic TiO2 on wood surface using a hydrothermal method

Hydrophobic titanium dioxide (TiO₂) was successfully grown on a wood surface using a hydrothermal method. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and water contact angle (WCA) were employed to characterize the features of grown TiO₂ and its hydrophobicity. EDS, XRD, and FTIR proved that anatase TiO₂ chemically bonded to the wood surface through the combination of hydrogen groups during the hydrothermal process. The values of WCAs manifested that the hydrophobicity of the treated wood was mainly dependent on specific reaction conditions, especially on reaction pH value and hydrothermal temperature. The highest WCA reached 154° when the hydrothermal temperature was 130 °C. The treated wood thus possessed a superhydrophobic surface.