Synthesis of titanate/anatase composites with highly photocatalytic decolorization of dye under visible light irradiation

Titanate/anatase nanocomposites consisting of titanate nanotubes and leaf-like anatase TiO2 nanoparticles were successfully prepared via a novel combinational hydrothermal method. The samples were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The activity of the nanocomposites was examined by photocatalytic decolorization of rhodamine B under visible light irradiation. It is found that the nanocomposites exhibited a much improved photocatalytic activity in comparison with titanate nanotube, anatase TiO2 nanoparticle, and even the commercial Degussa P-25. The photocatalytic mechanism of the as-prepared nanocomposites was discussed.