Sol-gel template synthesis and photocatalytic behaviour of anatase titania nanoparticles

Abstract

In this study, titania nanoparticles were successfully prepared by a sol-gel template method, employing cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and CaCO3 nanoparticles as templates. Titanium(IV) tetraisopropoxide and ethanol were used as a titanium precursor and alcoholic solvent, respectively. The obtained nanosized-titania was characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission-electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption and desorption methods. The photocatalytic activity of titania was investigated from the photodegradation of methylene blue solution under UVC irradiation. The results indicated that the amount of anatase crystallites and pore characteristics were important factors influencing the degree of photocatalysis of titania nanoparticles. Highly crystalline anatase titania could be obtained through the controlled hydrolysis reaction rate and the formation of loose-packed titania nanoparticles, while high specific surface area could be achieved with a template method. Copyright © 2005 ScienceAsia.