Synthesis, analysis and characterization of ordered mesoporous TiO2/SBA-15 matrix: Effect of calcination temperature

Mesoporous TiO2/SBA-15 matrix was prepared by the sol–gel synthesis of TiO2 in previously prepared SBA-15 particles. Nonionic surfactant was used as liquid template and Na2SiO4 as SiO2 precursor for the synthesis of mesoporous silica SBA-15 with high specific surface area. Different calcination temperature was used for the synthesis and analysis of TiO2/SBA-15 matrix. The synthesized titania/silica composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, FTIR, TEM, UV–vis spectroscopy, etc. TEM micrographs showed titania is successfully embedded in SBA-15 channel. Different calcination temperature indicates different size of particle formation and different photocatalytic properties. The activity test indicated that TiO2/SBA-15 composite prepared by this method had better photocatalytic performance than pure TiO2. The preparation method and the textural characteristics of mesoporous materials have great influence for the photocatalytic activity.