Controlled structure of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles by using organic additives in a microwave process

Synthesis of anatase nanoparticles was carried out in a microwave system. Crystal morphology was controlled by organic additives including PAAc (polyacrylic acid) and PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone). Modified TiO2 particles were compared to the bare TiO2 anatase structure. The synthesis of materials via the microwave system has great advantages due to the short reaction period and low energy requirement and is therefore an environmentally friendly process compared to the hydrothermal process. The decomposition of acetaldehyde was studied to determine the photocatalytic activity of the modified anatase TiO2 material.

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► PAAc, the most useful polymer for controlling decahedral anatase structure under microwave.
► Reaction sites separation with high-quality TiO2 faces is more important than surface area.
► Photocatalytic activity of the controlled anatase TiO2 improved by reaction sites separation.
► Microwave process remarkably reduced reaction time and energy, obtaining an efficient and competitive process.