Novel nanosized anatase TiO2 hexagonal prism filled with nanoporous structure

Abstract

In the present work, we demonstrate the synthesis of a novel nanosized TiO2 with the potential photocatalytic applications. Firstly, the hexagonal prisms were synthesized by dealloying TiCu amorphous alloy in HNO3 solution containing F− ions. These hexagonal prisms were composed of (NH4)0.3TiO1.1F2.1 wrapped with anatase TiO2 shell. After calcination at 550°C, the hexagonal anatase TiO2 prisms filled with nanoporous structure were formed. The as-formed materials were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The formation procedure and mechanism were discussed. The as-formed hexagonal TiO2 combines the advantages of well-ordered hexagonal prism and nanoporous structure, and then exhibits good photocatalytic properties. The unique nanostructure of hexagonal TiO2 is expected to benefit as an advanced photocatalyst.