Synthesis, characterization, and photodegradation behavior of single-phase anatase TiO2 materials synthesized from Ti-oxychloride precursors

Langmuir. 2008 Oct 7;24(19):11111-8. doi: 10.1021/la8014018. Epub 2008 Sep 13.

Abstract

Single-phase anatase-TiO2 nanomaterials with a size of ca. 10 nm and variable quantities of anion impurities were prepared using a novel pathway based on the use of amorphous ammonium Ti-oxychloride precursors synthesized using Ti/Cl initial ratios between 1 and 6. The precursor nature and evolution under thermal treatment were studied using chemical analysis, XRD, XPS, DRIFTS, and mass spectrometry. The nature and concentration of anatase-TiO2 materials anion impurities were analyzed by XPS and DRIFTS. It is shown that negatively charged impurities located in substitutional positions of the anatase network are maximized for a sample synthesized using a Ti/Cl 1:1 atomic ratio and are responsible for the elimination of liquid-phase (phenol) and gas-phase (isopropanol or methylcyclohexane) pollutants under sunlight excitation. A link is established among the initial chemical characterization of the precursors, the final morphological, structural, and chemical composition of the oxide materials, and their photochemical properties.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Chlorides / chemistry
  • Hot Temperature
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Nitrogen / chemistry
  • Photochemistry
  • Spectrum Analysis
  • Titanium / chemistry*
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Chlorides
  • titanium dioxide
  • Titanium
  • Nitrogen