Continuous microwave flow synthesis (CMFS) of nanosized titania: Structural, optical and photocatalytic properties

• Continuous microwave flow synthesis technique was used to prepare nanosized TiO2.
• Bandgap of TiO2 decreased with increase in microwave power.
• Degree of crystallinity of TiO2 improved with increase in microwave power.

In this study we have used continuous microwave flow synthesis (CMFS) technique to synthesize nanosized titania (TiO2). The effect of microwave power (MwP) on the physicochemical properties of TiO2 has been evaluated. Particle morphology and degree of crystallinity were studied using TEM and XRD respectively. The specific surface area was quantified by using BET method and catalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) was also measured. The UV–vis studies identified a red-shift in the energy bandgap (Eg= 2.95 eV) of TiO2 and the photoluminescence (PL) study revealed a significant reduction in the surface oxygen defects under the influence of increased MwP. This study has demonstrated that, due to the visible region Eg, TiO2 nanoparticles can be used effectively as a photocatalyst and as photovoltaic solar cell material.