Synthesis and characterization of TiO2 foam and SiO2@TiO2 core‐shell nanostructure for gnetin dye degradation from industrial effluent

Abstract

AbstractThe current study intends to create TiO2 foam, SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), and SiO2@TiO2 core‐shell nanostructure (CSN) with improved photocatalytic durability for the quick degradation of the textile industrial water pollutant in the presence of sunlight. The sol‐gel, Stöber, and chemical co‐precipitation methods have been used to synthesize TiO2 foam, SiO2 NPs, and SiO2@TiO2 CSN. X‐ray diffraction results have revealed the anatase phase of TiO2 foam, the amorphous nature of SiO2 NPs, and the amorphous nature of SiO2@TiO2 CSN due to equal wt.% of SiO2 NPs and TiO2 foam at 300 K. Field emission scanning electron microscope images show that the TiO2 foam, SiO2 NPs, and SiO2@TiO2 CSN exhibit cluster sheets, spherical, and spherical raspberry‐like homogeneous morphology. The ultraviolet spectrum confirmed that the TiO2 foam and SiO2@TiO2 CSN have a band gap of 2.9 eV and 3.4 eV. SiO2@TiO2 CSN has been shown an excellent decomposition rate of water pollutants (gentian dye) in comparison to TiO2 foam due to their better‐absorbing nature. Both NPs and CSN employed in the breakdown of gentian dye have been recycled and their original characteristics are preserved. The proposed SiO2@TiO2 CSN has a higher potential for application in developing self‐cleaning, long‐lasting, and air‐purifying materials.