Surface texture and specific adsorption sites of sol–gel synthesized anatase TiO2 nanoparticles

The surface properties of sol–gel synthesized anatase titania (TiO2) nanoparticles are probed by sorptiometry, infrared absorption spectroscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The results reveal strong correlations of the surface area, porosity, pyridine adsorption capacity and strength, and catalytic methylbutynol decomposition activity.