Synthesis of Polystyrene@TiO2 Core–Shell Particles and Their Photocatalytic Activity for the Decomposition of Methylene Blue

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the preparation conditions of polystyrene (PS)@TiO2 core–shell particles and their photocatalytic activity during the decomposition of methylene blue (MB). TiO2 shells were formed on the surfaces of PS particles using the sol–gel method. Homogeneous PS@TiO2 core–shell particles were obtained using an aqueous NH3 solution as the promoter of the sol–gel reaction and stirred at room temperature. This investigation revealed that the temperature and amount of the sol–gel reaction promoter influenced the morphology of the PS@TiO2 core–shell particles. The TiO2 shell thickness of the PS@TiO2 core–shell particles was approximately 5 nm, as observed using transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, Ti elements were detected on the surfaces of the PS@TiO2 core–shell particles using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. The PS@TiO2 core–shell particles were used in MB decomposition to evaluate their photocatalytic activities. For comparison, we utilized commercial P25 and TiO2 particles prepared using the sol–gel method. The results showed that the PS@TiO2 core–shell particles exhibited higher activity than that of the compared samples.