Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles prepared by sol–gel method

Abstract

TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized via sol–gel method by using TiCl4 ethanol solution as precursor. The effects of gelatinization time and calcination temperature were determined. X-ray diffraction measurements showed that TiO2 nanoparticles were polycrystalline with anatase phase and transform to rutile phase at high temperatures. The effects of gelatinization time and calcination temperature were examined using atomic force microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and photoluminescence spectra. Particle size increased from 58 to 89 nm when gelatinization time was increased from 1 to 5 days. Moreover, particle size increased from 58 to 111 nm when calcination temperature was increased from 500 to 900 °C. Photoluminescence intensity decreased when gelatinization time and calcination temperature increased. Photocatalytic properties of TiO2 nanoparticles were evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) in water under UV light irradiation. The outcomes indicated that TiO2 nanoparticles exhibited efficient photocatalytic activity of up to 68 % after 180 min as shown by the degradation of MB aqueous solution.