TiO2 nanoparticles with efficient photocatalytic activity towards gaseous benzene degradation

TiO2 nanoparticles with a specific surface area of ~200 m2 g−1 were successfully fabricated by a facile hydrothermal method using Ti(OC4H9)4 as the precursor at 180 °C for 24 h. The as-prepared sample was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–teller (BET) surface area, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectrum. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared sample was evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of gaseous benzene. The results show that TiO2 nanoparticles exhibit much better photocatalytic activity towards the photodegradation of benzene than Degussa P25. The good photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles is attributed to the large specific surface area and high separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes.