Preparation and characterization of Ti1 − xZrxO2/ZrO2 nanocomposite

Hierarchical Ti1 − xZrxO2/ZrO2 nanocomposite was prepared by a hydrothermal method through a combination of the sol–gel process and co-precipitation from tetrabutyl titanate and ZrOCl2. Structures and properties were characterized by various measurement techniques. It was demonstrated that the products with a radial shape and a large specific surface area had superhydrophilicity and high photocatalytic activity. X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray measurement analysis indicated that the Zr4+ ions were incorporated into the anatase TiO2 lattice.