Fluoride-free synthesis of anatase TiO2 crystals rich in (001) facets in the presence of cationic polymer

Controllable syntheses of anatase TiO2 rich in (001) facets have attracted much attention because of the excellent photocatalytic activity of this material in dye degradation. These syntheses are normally performed in the presence of fluoride, which is environmentally unfriendly. In this study, anatase TiO2 crystals rich in (001) facets were successfully synthesized in the presence of a cationic polymer and characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopies, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Photocatalytic tests showed that this material is very active in the degradation of methyl orange compared with conventional anatase TiO2 crystals and a commercial P25 photocatalyst. The high activity is attributed to the rich (001) facets translation.

Graphical abstractAnatase TiO2 crystals rich in (001) facets were successfully synthesized in the presence of a cationic polymer under fluoride-free conditions. The crystals had high photocatalytic activity and good recyclability.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide