A novel route for the production of TiO2 photocatalysts with low energy gap, via Triton-X and oleic acid surfactants

Abstract

Mesoporous anatase TiO2 photocatalysts with high specific surface area between 70 and 110m2/g were prepared via a novel sol–gel technique using surfactants oleic acid and Triton-X in the presence or absence of diethanolamine. Titania materials showed increased photocatalytic performance in UV light. The production of active species seem to be high enough to perform the degradation of methylene blue dye solution in low catalyst concentration; and a relatively high efficiency in NO oxidation in gaseous phase. All materials prepared showed high photocatalytic activity and degradation efficiency similar or higher compared to commercial Degussa P25 material.