Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of ring-like anatase TiO2 with {001} facts exposed

Developing photocatalysts with specific morphology and good photocatalytic activities promises good opportunities to discover the geometry-dependent properties. In the present work, ring-like anatase TiO2 with dominant {001} facets exposed were successfully synthesized via a one-pot solvothermal process of tetrabutyl titanate and hydrofluoric acid solution at 180 °C for 8 h. We found that hydrofluoric acid plays an important role in the formation of ring-like TiO2. The morphology and microstructure were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller N2 gas adsorption-desorption isotherms. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photocatalytic oxidation degradation of methylene blue aqueous solution under UV light. Results showed that ring-like TiO2 with {001} facets exposed exhibited an excellent photocatalytic activities due to its unique structure: Nanosheets with hole.