Titanate Nanotubes as Futuristic Catalyst Support Material

Abstract

Titanate Nanotubes (TNT) were synthesized by aging commercial titanium dioxide (TiO2 - Degussa P25) with an alkali (KOH) solution at different time intervals. The prepared materials were investigated for their surface composition and textural behaviour by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Gas (N2 and CO2) adsorption measurements, and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The X-ray diffraction spectra revealed the decrease in the crystalline nature of the materials decreased by exposing them for a longer duration in the base solution. Raman spectra results showed that ageing time affected the structural properties. The specific surface area and the pore size of the newly synthesised materials were affected by the ageing process. The TEM images showed the influence of ageing during the formation of titanate nanotubes. HRTEM revealed that Pd particle sizes of <1 nm was present inside the tubes.