Preparation and characterization of nano TiO2/micron Cr2O3 composite particles

Nano-TiO₂/micro-size Cr₂O₃ composite particles were first prepared by hydrolysis of Ti(OBu)₄ in an abundant acidic aqueous solution without calcinations at room temperature. XPS analysis shows that the element C, O, Ti and Sn existed on the surfaces of the composite particles. Observation by field emission scanning electronic microscope shows TiO₂ particles of 10-15 nm covers on Cr₂O₃ powder surfaces to form nanometer/micron composite particles. UV-vis spectra show a red shift of the absorption edge and a significant increase of absorption intensity in the visible region. These results confirm that TiO₂ of anatase type can be synthesized on the surface of Cr₂O₃.