Photocatalytic properties of CaTi2O5 via a facile additive-free aqueous strategy with different pH values

Abstract

CaTi2O5 was selectively prepared by a solvothermal process without template and surfactant. The phase of the as-prepared samples was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The microstructure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results found that pH values had a crucial effect on the crystal phase and shape evolution of the samples. CaTi2O5 sample prepared at pH of 5.2 shows high efficient light harvesting, large surface area and crystallinity. Moreover, CaTi2O5 shuttle-like sample shows good photocatalytic activity against methyl orange due to its longer and thinner shuttle-like morphology and high crystallinity, enhanced light harvesting and large surface area. The photocatalytic rate of CaTi2O5 shuttle-like structure reaches 0.1988 min−1 for 25-min methyl orange degradation under the ultraviolet light irradiation and displays an excellent photostability with a degradation efficiency of 0.1952 min−1 after four cycles.