Synthesis of TiO2 via modified sol-gel method and its use in carbonized medium-density fiberboard for toluene decomposition

Abstract

A solution-type TiO2-based photocatalyst for the decomposition of volatile organic compounds was synthesized using a modified sol-gel method under either alcohol (ethanol or isopropanol) or aqueous conditions. Anatase-type TiO2 was successfully synthesized with additional hydrothermal treatment using either type of medium. However, the aqueous condition for TiO2 synthesis was more convenient for the formation of anatase-type TiO2. Based on X-ray diffraction analysis data, the optimal hydrothermal treatment temperature was 80 °C for anatase-type TiO2 formation; at temperatures below 80 °C or above 90 °C, mostly rutile-type TiO2 was formed. The synthesized anatase-type TiO2 solution was applied to the surface of carbonized medium-density fiberboard (c-MDF). The anatase-type TiO2 on c-MDF showed good maintenance of toluene decomposition performance even after repeated use for 14 weeks.