Synthesis of anatase nanopowders by sol-gel method and influence of temperatures of calcination to their photocatalitic properties

Abstract

The titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanopowders were produced by sol-gel technique from tetrabutyl titanate as a precursor, varying the temperature ?f calcination (from 500 to 550?C with the step of 10 ?C). XRPD results have shown that all synthesized nanopowders are dominantly in anatase phase. The analysis of the shift and linewidth of the most intensive anatase Eg Raman mode confirmed the XRPD results and added the presence of small amount of highly disordered brookite phase in all samples. The analysis of pore structure from nitrogen sorption experimental data described all samples as mesoporous, with mean pore diameters in the range of 1.5 and 4.5 nm. Nanopowder properties have been related to the photocatalytic activity, tested in degradation of the textile dye (C.I. Reactive Orange 16). The sample calcined at temperature of 510?C showed the best photocatalytic performance.