Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of sea urchin-shaped rutile TiO2 nanocrystals

Sea urchin-shaped rutile nanostructures (SUR NSs) with abundant {110} surfaces are synthesized at 60 °C under atmospheric pressure. The SUR NSs were ~ 420 nm in diameter and contain a number of needle-like rutile single crystals grown parallel to the (110) face from a single nucleus in a radial fashion. The photocatalytic activity of the SUR NSs is significantly higher than that of commercial rutile nanoparticles with the same specific surface area. This demonstrates that {110} facets are effective in enhancing photoactivity.

► We synthesized sea urchin-shaped rutile titania nanostructures (SUR NSs).
► The SUR NSs were consisted of a number of needle-like rutile single crystals.
► The needle-like crystals grew parallel to the (110) face.
► The SUR NSs exhibited significantly high photocatalytic activity.
► The abundance of {110} surfaces contributed to enhancing photocatalytic activity.