Preparation of amphiphilic TiO2 Janus particles with highly enhanced photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Stearic-acid-modified TiO2 (STA-TiO2) particles were prepared via the impregnation approach and used as a precursor for preparing TiO2 Janus particles. The morphology, structure, and properties of the TiO2 Janus particles were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, fluorescence microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, contact angle analysis, dynamic light scattering, biological microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. The results show that TiO2 Janus particles can be successfully prepared via toposelective surface modification. STA grafted on the surface of TiO2 enhances its hydrophobicity, promotes charge separation, and improves its adsorption capacity for organic compounds. The TiO2 Janus particles strongly adsorb on an oil-water interface to form a stable Pickering emulsion. The degradation rates of high-concentration kerosene and nitrobenzene wastewaters when the photocatalyst is pure TiO2, STA-TiO2, or TiO2 Janus particles are discussed and compared. The degradation rates were determined using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. It was found that the Pickering emulsion stabilized by the TiO2 Janus particles exhibited the best photocatalytic performance; these Janus particles show promising potential for catalytic application.