A nanoparticle assembly method for the production of crystalline ordered mesoporous titanium oxide/carbon composites

We demonstrate a simple and reproducible method to prepare thermally stable, crystalline mesoporous Ti oxide/carbon composites. The composites were obtained using titania nanoparticles as inorganic precursors, phenolic resols as carbon sources, and triblock copolymer F127 as a template based on the solvent evaporation-induced self-assembly process. The use of stable titania nanoparticles favored the reproducible preparation of mesoporous Ti–C composites over a wide range of Ti oxide/carbon ratios without the control of atmospheric humidity. Various analysis techniques have been used to investigate the pore structure and crystallinity as a function of synthesis conditions. The resultant composites have an ordered 2D hexagonal mesostructure with high surface areas (200–800 m2 g−1). In addition to the calcination temperature, the carbon content also has significant effect on the crystalline transformation of titanium species.

As-made mesostructrued titania/resin composite.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► Crystalline ordered mesoporous titanium oxide/carbon composites are prepared by a nanoparticle assembly method.
► Ti species/carbon ratios in the composites can be tuned freely.
► The carbon content has significant effect on the crystalline transformation of titanium species.
► Anatase, rutile or TiO nanocrystals are formed in the pore walls of ordered mesoporous composites.