Abstract
In this study, TiO2 mesocrystal assemblies of ultrathin TiO2 nanosheets with (001) facets were prepared by a microwave-assisted solvothermal method using tetrabutyl titanate (TBT), NH4F and acetic acid. The relationship between calcination temperature (300–1000 °C) and photocatalytic activity towards acetone oxidation was systematically studied. It was found that fluoride ions adsorbed on the surface were removed after calcination, generating surface oxygen vacancies (Ov). The 600 °C-calcined sample (T600) exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity towards acetone oxidation, which was 4.9 times higher than the activity of pristine TiO2 mesocrystals. The formation of Ov not only improved the ability of light absorption, stimulated the charge carrier separation, enhanced the photocatalytic activity, but also prevented the growth of TiO2 mesocrystals, by retarding the fusion of the neighboring TiO2 mesocrystals, increasing anatase-to-rutile phase transformation temperature to values above 1000 °C.
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