Simple fabrication of mesoporous TiO2 microspheres for photocatalytic degradation of pentachlorophenol

Mesoporous TiO2 microspheres of sizes varying from 0.5 to 4.5 μm, which are composed of numerous pure anatase TiO2 nanoparticles of diameter ∼18 nm were successfully synthesized via a facile route without any template or structure-directing agent. XRD, FESEM, UV–vis DRS and N2 adsorption–desorption analysis were used to characterize the product. A possible auto-orientation assembly formation mechanism of the TiO2 spherical structure has been proposed. Experimental results show that the obtained mesoporous TiO2 microspheres can be used as photocatalyst to effectively degrade persistent organic pollutant pentachlorophenol under UV irradiation, and the photocatalytic activity of them is much higher than that of commercial P25.

► Mesoporous TiO2 microspheres were synthesized via a facile route without any template or structure-directing agent.
► Possible formation mechanism of the TiO2 spherical structure has been proposed.
► These TiO2 microspheres can effectively degrade persistent organic pollutant pentachlorophenol under UV irradiation.
► The excellent photocatalytic performance of mesoporous TiO2 microspheres is related to many factors.