Glycine assisted synthesis of flower-like TiO2 hierarchical spheres and its application in photocatalysis

Flower-like anatase TiO2 hierarchical spheres assembled by nanosheets were synthesized by glycine assistant via a simple hydrothermal approach and after-annealing process. These flower-like spheres are about 2 μm in diameter with sheet thickness about 20 nm. Results showed reaction time, temperature, solution pH and glycine dosage all played an important role in control of shape and size of the as-synthesized TiO2 nanocrystals. The photocatalytic activity of this nano-TiO2 was evaluated by the photocatalytic oxidation decomposition of methyl orange under sunlight illumination in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The photocatalytic activity of the obtained TiO2 was higher than that of commercial TiO2.

Flower-like anatase TiO2 hierarchical spheres assembled by nanosheets were synthesized by glycine assistant via a simple hydrothermal approach and after-annealing process. The obtained TiO2 sample showed good photocatalytic activity of decomposition of methyl orange under sunlight.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Flower-like TiO2 hierarchical spheres were synthesized by glycine assistant.
► Reaction time, temperature, solution pH and glycine dosage were studied.
► The formation of the flower-like TiO2 spheres is an Ostwald ripening process.
► Flower-like TiO2 showed high photocatalytic activity under sunlight.