One-pot synthesis of rutile TiO2 nanoparticle modified anatase TiO2 nanorods toward enhanced photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into hydrocarbon fuels

Rutile TiO2 nanoparticle modified anatase TiO2 nanorods (TiO2-RMA) with {010} facets exposing structure were one-pot synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and fast-Fourier transform pattern (FFT). It showed high photocatalytic reduction CO2 conversion than pure anatase TiO2 nanorods. The total yield of CH4 of TiO2-RMA obtained in the experiment after 8 h of continuous irradiation was 18.9 μmol/g. In comparison, TiO2-A shows low photocatalytic activity toward methane production 10.3 μmol/g after 8 h UV light irradiation. And the photocatalytic mechanism of TiO2-RMA also was discussed.

► One-pot synthesis TiO2-RMA with {010} facets exposing.
► Rutile TiO2 nanoparticles can be used as an electron acceptor to replace Pt.
► TiO2-RMA showed enhanced photocatalytic reduction CO2 conversion than TiO2-A.