Synthesis of high-activity TiO2 photocatalyst via environmentally friendly and novel microwave assisted hydrothermal process

This work focused on the synthesis of high-activity titania photocatalysts through an environmentally friendly and novel process. A high energy-efficient microwave-assisted hydrothermal method was employed to prepare TiO2 from commercially available K2Ti4O9 particles without using any organic species. The obtained titania consisted of small particles around 5 nm in diameter and high specific surface areas above 200 m2/g. The photocatalytic activities were evaluated by the photo-decomposition of acetaldehyde. The titania prepared through this process showed high photocatalytic activities equal to the commercial one, AEROXIDE® TiO2 P 25.