Low temperature preparation and characterization of nanospherical anatase TiO 2 and its photocatalytic activity on Congo red degradation under sunlight

Abstract

Nanospherical titanium oxide with anatase structure was obtained at low temperature and normal pressure using a simple method of preparation. The dilute titanium (III) chloride solution was stirred at room temperature for several hours, and then ammonium hydroxide with hydrogen peroxide was added. A yellow gel TiO 2· xH 2O was obtained with nanodot shape and amorphous structure. Heated at 300 °C, it crystallized to pure anatase structure with nanospherical shape. The anatase particles prepared show good adsorption and photodegradation of Congo red solution under the sunlight. Materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, transmission electron microscope and UV spectroscopy.