Full length articleHigh performance photocatalysts: Montmorillonite supported-nano TiO2 composites

In this paper, montmorillonite supported-nano TiO2 photocatalytic composites are synthesized by an easily-operated solid diffusion process, in which montmorillonite is used as a support matrix. And the microstructures, morphologies and photocatalytic properties of the montmorillonite supported-nano TiO2 composites are characterized and analyzed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and methylene blue degradation tests. The results show that montmorillonite matrix reduces agglomeration of nano-TiO2 and enhances the absorption ability within the UV-vis range, consequently increases the photocatalytic activity of the composites. Meanwhile, the influence of TiO2/montmorillonite proportion on photocatalytic performances is explored, which indicates that 90 wt% TiO2/montmorillonite has optimal photocatalytic properties.