Unraveling a novel microwave strategy to fabricate exposed {001}/{101} facets anatase nanocrystals: Potential for use to the elimination of environmentally toxic metronidazole waste

Abstract

This study present a novel microwave strategy to fabricate highly active anatase particles, exposing {101} and {001} facets. Microwave treatment time was shown to determine the growth of crystals in a certain direction. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report revealing that the contact time of TiO2 crystals with fluorine ions during the microwave process affects the formed morphology, in particular exposed facets ratio. The important element of this study was a parallel approach to produce active photocatalysts and a convenient UV-LED light source. The simultaneous use of synthesized anatase nanocrystals with exposed {001}/{101} facets and tailor-made LED photoreactor led to the enhanced elimination of metronidazole. Photocatalytic studies showed greater activity in the elimination of metronidazole with increasing microwave exposure time, which was associated with the presence of the surface heterojunction {001}/{101}, leading to better separation of charge carriers.