Synthesis and Photocatalytic Properties of Three-Dimensional Mesoporous Titanium Dioxide

Abstract

The three-dimensional (3D) mesoporous titanium dioxide (TiO2) was synthesized by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, using titanium sulfate as titanium source and urea to adjust pH value. Its structure and photocatalytic oxidation properties were studied. The results show that the TiO2 particles have a 3D mesoporous structure, uniform distribution and spherical shape, the average diameter is about 0.67[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m. These properties provide strong light adsorption, high specific surface area, which increases the active site of the photocatalyst, porosity can also enhance the ability of the material to adsorb pollutants, thus has better stability. It was applied to photocatalytic degradation of 10[Formula: see text]mg/L rhodamine B (RhB) solution. After 80[Formula: see text]min of irradiation under 420[Formula: see text]nm ultraviolet (UV) light, the degradation rate of RhB reached more than 90%. In addition, it also provided an excellent photocatalytic efficiency of removing Hg0 in simulated flue gas. The removal efficiency could still reach over 86% after 40 h, which could be used in the treatment of heavy metal pollutants such as metallurgical flue gas.