The atmospheric pressure synthesis of TiO2@carbon nanocomposite microspheres and the enhanced photocatalytic performance

• TiO2@Carbon nanocomposite microspheres were prepared via a facile atmospheric pressure synthesis.
• Organic and inorganic sol–gel reactions were combined in one-pot.
• Post-carbonization produced porous RF-Carbon loaded with well crystalline anatase TiO2.
• TiO2@Carbon showed excellent photoactivity on catalytic degradation of water pollutants.

Herein, we report a facile synthesis of nano-TiO2@carbon microspheres (TiO2@C) with enhanced photocatalytic performances. The spherical resorcinol–formaldehyde (RF) hydrogels were firstly prepared and then in-situ loaded with TiO2 via a one-pot protocol. The target products were obtained after the composite hydrogels were carbonized at high temperatures. The whole protocol was carried out under atmospheric pressure in no need of special high pressures. The as-prepared TiO2@C is unique, which is characterized by the well-controlled sub-micron morphology, highly crystalline anatase nano-TiO2, and the hierarchically micro–mesoporous structure. The composite spheres could be applied as a new kind of photocatalyst, and the excellent performance was evaluated in the photodegradation of chlorobenzene in water. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of TiO2@C could be explained by the synergistic effect of the RF–C supporting with the anatase nano-TiO2.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide