Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous Ti 1− xTa xO 2+ x/2 ( x = 0.025, 0.05, and 0.075) nanoparticles: Preparation and enhanced photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Anatase phase, three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3 DOM) Ti 1− x Ta x O 2 + x / 2 ( x = 0.025, 0.05, and 0.075) nanoparticles with macropore diameter 290 to 310 nm, wall thickness 50 to 80 nm, and particle size 10 to 12 nm were prepared by combination of the sol–gel chemistry and polystyrene (PS) templating procedure. The products exhibited relatively narrower band gaps and larger BET surface areas than those of the starting solitary 3 DOM metal oxides, and their photocatalytic activities for the degradation of an aqueous 4-nitrophenol remarkably enhanced compared with 3 DOM anatase TiO 2, Ta 2O 5, and Degussa P-25.