Fabrication and characterization of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> composite nanoparticles and polyurethane/(TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>–SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>) nanocomposite films

TiO₂–SiO₂ composite nanoparticles were prepared by a sol–gel process. To obtain the assembly of TiO₂–SiO₂ composite nanoparticles, different molar ratios of Ti/Si were investigated. Polyurethane (PU)/(TiO₂–SiO₂) hybrid films were synthesized using the “grafting from” technique by incorporation of modified TiO₂–SiO₂ composite nanoparticles building blocks into PU matrix. Firstly, 3-aminopropyltriethysilane was employed to encapsulate TiO₂–SiO₂ composite nanoparticles’ surface. Secondly, the PU shell was tethered to the TiO₂–SiO₂ core surface via surface functionalized reaction. The particle size of TiO₂–SiO₂ composite sol was performed on dynamic light scattering, and the microstructure was characterized by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared. Thermogravimetric analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) employed to study the hybrid films. The average particle size of the TiO₂–SiO₂ composite particles is about 38 nm when the molar ratio of Ti/Si reaches to1:1. The TEM image indicates that TiO₂–SiO₂ composite nanoparticles are well dispersed in the PU matrix.     

Nanosized TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> particles decorated on SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> spheres (TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>): synthesis and photocatalytic activities

Nanosized TiO₂ and nano-anatase TiO₂ decorated on SiO₂ spherical core shells were synthesized by using a sol–gel method. The synthesized pure TiO₂ nano particle and TiO₂ grafted on SiO₂ sphere with various ratios have been characterized for their structure and morphologies by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Their surface areas were measured using the BET method. The photocatalytic activity of all nanocomposites was investigated using methylene blue as a model pollutant. The synthesized TiO₂/SiO₂ particles appeared to be more efficient in the degradation of methylene blue pollutant, as compared to pure TiO₂ particles.     

Fabrication and photocatalytic property of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanofibers

TiO₂ nanofibers were prepared from tetrabutyl titanate sol precursors by using electrospun method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscope (AFM) were used to characterize their crystal structure and morphology feature. The results demonstrated that TiO₂ nanofibers possessed anatase phase and the average diameter of TiO₂ nanofibers was about 150 nm. The photocatalytic property of TiO₂ nanofibers was evaluated for the photodecomposition of methyl orange solution. And TiO₂ nanofibers exhibited high photocatalytic activities with transfer efficiency about 100% after 20 min.     

Synthesis,characterization and photocatalytic properties of tungsten-doped hydrothermal TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Crystalline anatase phase TiO₂ with photocatalytic properties was obtained through a sol–gel low-temperature hydrothermal process. TiO₂ samples doped with tungsten oxide were also obtained by using this synthetic approach. The photocatalytic oxidation of methylene blue in water was monitored to study the influence of the tungsten doping degree on the photocatalytic degradation performance of TiO₂. The degradation rate constant was further increased by adjusting the tungsten doping degree of hydrothermal TiO₂. Also, a much faster photodegradation of methylene blue was achieved using tungsten doped samples baked at 450°C. The results were compared with those obtained with Degussa P25 used as photocatalyst. The structure and optical properties of tungsten-doped TiO₂ were studied by SEM, X-ray diffraction, UV–vis and DRIFT spectroscopy techniques.     

Synthesis,characterization of B-doped TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanotubes with high photocatalytic activity

B-doped TiO₂ nanotubes (B/TiO₂ NTs) were prepared by the combination of sol–gel process with hydrothermal treatment. The prepared catalysts were characterized by XRD, TEM and XPS. The photocatalytic activity of B/TiO₂ NTs was evaluated through the photodegradation of aqueous methyl orange. The results demonstrated that the 1.5% B/TiO₂ NTs calcined at 300 °C possessed the best photocatalytic activity. Compared with pure TiO₂ nanotubes, the doping with B significantly enhanced the photocatalytic efficiency.     

SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> and TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanoparticles in Aerosol OT reverse microemulsions: Synthesis and characterization

Stable SiO₂ and TiO₂ organosols were prepared by hydrolyzing tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in the presence of 6–12 M NH₃ and titanium(IV) isopropylate (TTIP) in reverse microemulsions of 0.12–0.25 M bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (Aerosol OT, AOT) in n-decane with the aqueous pseudophase content of 2–3 vol %, 0.018–0.090 M TEOS, and 0.15–0.55 vol %, 0.003–0.025 M TTIP. The degree of hydrolysis was monitored by IR spectroscopy (for TEOS) and spectrophotometry (for TTIP). Oxide nanoparticles were characterized by photon-correlation spectroscopy (PCS) (D _h = 8–100 nm) and laser electrophoresis (ζ-potential = 7.4–11.6 mV). The occurrence of surface potential made it possible to separate the oxides from the excess of surfactant by nonaqueous electrophoresis and to determine particle sizes (7–40 nm) by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM).     

Synthesis and characterization of a new hybrid TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> filler for lithium conducting gel electrolytes

This paper describes the synthesis and properties of a new type of ceramic fillers for composite polymer gel electrolytes. Hybrid TiO₂-SiO₂ ceramic powders have been obtained by co-precipitation from titanium(IV) sulfate solution using sodium silicate as the precipitating agent. The resulting submicron-size powders have been applied as fillers for composite polymer gel electrolytes for Li-ion batteries based on poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF/HFP) copolymeric membranes. The powders, dry membranes and gel electrolytes have been examined structurally and electrochemically, showing favorable properties in terms of electrolyte uptake and electrochemical characteristics in Li-ion cells.     

TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> hybrid nanomaterials: synthesis and variable UV-blocking properties

Silica and core–shell structured titania/silica (TiO₂/SiO₂) nanoparticles with particles size ranging from tens to hundreds of nanometers were prepared and deposited onto cotton fabric substrates by sol–gel process. The morphologies of the nanoparticles were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The photocatalytic decomposition properties as well as UV-blocking properties of the fabrics treated with SiO₂ and TiO₂/SiO₂ nanoparticles were investigated.     

Synthesis and characterization of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-montmorillonite nanocomposites and their photocatalytic activity

TiO₂ nanoparticles have been synthesized on the surface of exfoliated montmorillonite at a low temperature in benzyl alcohol medium. According to X-ray diffraction (XRD), N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherm and transmisson electron microscopy (TEM), it was found that the intercalation of TiO₂ nanoparticles destroyed the ordered structure of montmorillonite to some extent, and the crystallites of the nanocomposites are assembled to form a house-of-cards structure. The size of the nanoparticles in the interlamellar space is about 4 nm. The nanocomposites exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity in methylene blue degradation due to the synergetic effect of the adsorptive ability to organic compound of cetyl trimethylammonium bromide—montmorillonite and the catalytic ability of TiO₂ nanoparticles in it.     

Fabrication of gradient density SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> aerogel

With tetraethoxysilane as the organic precursor, gradient density aerogels were fabricated by three different methods: layer-by-layer gelation, sol-co-gelation and continuous formation technics. Through layer-by-layer method, a 5-layer graded density silica aerogel whose density ranges from 50 to 200 mg/cm³ was obtained, but it existed a dense skin between adjacent layers which could result in density mutation in the interface. In order to optimize its interface character, sol-co-gelation technique was created to improve the interdiffusion and smooth out the density mutation via a self-built device. Finally, on the base of the device and sol-co-gelation technics, a continuous formation process was developed to fabricate the completely gradient density silica aerogel. Optical microscope and X-ray phase contrast method were used to characterize the samples prepared by three different technics and comparatively research their interface feature.     

Three-dimensional hierarchical CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanowalls/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanofibers heterostructure and its high photocatalytic performance

Combining the versatility of electrospinning technique and hydrothermal growth of nanostructures enabled the fabrication of hierarchical CeO₂/TiO₂ nanofibrous mat. The as-prepared hierarchical heterostructure consisted of CeO₂ nanowalls growing on the primary TiO₂ nanofibers. Interestingly, not only were secondary CeO₂ nanowalls successfully grown on TiO₂ nanofibers substrates, but also the CeO₂ nanowalls were uniformly distributed without aggregation on TiO₂ nanofibers. The photocatalytic studies suggested that the CeO₂/TiO₂ heterostructures showed enhanced photocatalytic efficiency compared with bare TiO₂ nanofibers under UV light irradiation.     

Sol–gel synthesis,characterization and photocatalytic activity of mesoporous TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/γ-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3 </Subscript>granules

Mesoporous TiO₂/γ-Al₂O₃ composite granules were prepared by combining sol–gel/oil-drop method, using various titania solution. The product granules can be used as a photocatalyst or adsorbent in moving, fluidized bed reactors. The phase composition and pore structure of the granules can be controlled by calcination temperature and using different titania solution. In the photocatalysis of NH₃ decomposition, TiO₂/γ-Al₂O₃ granules using Degussa P25 powder treated thermally at 450 °C showed the highest catalytic ability. However, TiO₂/γ-Al₂O₃ granules using titania made by hydrothermal method had comparable performance in NH₃ decomposition.     

Microstructure of SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> hybrid electrospun nanofibers and their application in dye degradation

SiO₂/TiO₂ hybrid nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning and applied for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB). The phase structure, specific surface area, and surface morphologies of the SiO₂/TiO₂ hybrid nanofibers were characterized through thermogravimetry (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), etc. XRD measurements indicated that doping of silica into TiO₂ nanofibers can delay the phase transition from anatase to rutile and decrease the grain size. SEM and BET characterization proved that silica doping can remarkably enhance the porosity of the SiO₂/TiO₂ hybrid nanofibers. The MB adsorption capacity and photocatalytic activity of the SiO₂/TiO₂ hybrid nanofibers were distinguished experimentally. It was found that, although increased silica doping content could enhance the MB adsorption capacity, the intrinsic photocatalytic activity gradually dropped. The SiO₂ (10 %)/TiO₂ composite nanofibers exhibited the highest MB degradation rate, being superior to SiO₂ (20 %)/TiO₂ or pure TiO₂.     

Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanoparticles fluorine-modified with TiF<Subscript>4</Subscript>

Fluorine-modified TiO₂ nan oparticles were synthesized by introducing TiF₄ as a fluorine source either before or after the sufficient hydrolysis and condensation of Ti(OEt)₄. The photocatalytic activity of the fluorine-modified catalysts was found to be greatly affected by the fluorine position in TiO₂ nanoparticles. When TiF₄ and Ti(OEt)₄ hydrolyzed with synchronization, the fluorine tended to be doped in the lattice. The formation of Ti³⁺ defects could result in charge recombination in bulk and bring down the photocatalytic activity. In contrast, if TiF₄ was introduced after the sufficient hydrolysis and condensation of Ti(OEt)₄. Ti−F bonds could exist mainly on the TiO₂ particles surface, which not only prevented the growth of anatase crystals but also facilitated the transfer of organic compounds from solution to catalyst surface by reducing the hydrophilic properties.     

Influence of ThO<Subscript>2</Subscript> on the photocatalytic activity of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Microcomposites consisting of TiO₂ (or Ce-doped TiO₂) and ThO₂ (0.5–2% of the TiO₂ mass) are produced by sol-gel synthesis of TiO₂ in presence of ThO₂. X-ray diffraction study reveals the effects of ThO₂ (compared to the ThO₂-free TiO₂, obtained by the same method) on the anatase interplanar distances, crystallites size and phase composition. The photocatalytic tests in presence of the composites under UV irradiation reveal an increase of the Malachite Green degradation rate constant. The effect depends on the Th relative content, temperature of annealing of the catalyst and addition of other doping agent. The highest photocatalytic activity is observed for TiO₂ obtained at 550°C and containing 1% ThO₂. The composite exhibits activity in dark, also. The presence of Ce⁴⁺ ions is not an obligatory requirement for the realization of the ThO₂ effect. The reported results suggest that the radioactivity of the Th and/or its decay products is one of the main factors responsible for the increased photocatalytic activity of TiO₂.      

Preparation and photocatalytic activity of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> films with Ni nanoparticles

Titania thin films were synthesized by sol–gel dip-coating method with metallic Ni nanoparticles synthesized separately from an organometallic precursor Ni(COD)₂ (COD = cycloocta-1,5-diene) in presence of 1,3-diaminopropane as a stabilizer. Titania was obtained from a titanium isopropoxide precursor solution in presence of acetic acid. A Ni/TiO₂ sol system was used to coat glass substrate spheres (6, 4 and 3 mm diameter sizes), and further heat treatment at 400 °C was carried out to promote the crystallization of titania. XRD analysis of the TiO₂ films revealed the crystallization of the anatase phase. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and High Resolution TEM studies of Ni nanoparticles before mixing with the TiO₂ solution revealed the formation of Ni nanostructures with an average size of 5–10 nm. High-angle annular dark-field images of the Ni/TiO₂ system revealed well-dispersed Ni nanoparticles supported on TiO₂ and confirmed by AFM analysis. The photocatalytic activity of the Ni/TiO₂ films was evaluated in hydrogen evolution from the decomposition of ethanol using a mercury lamp for UV light irradiation. Titania films in presence of Ni nanoparticles show higher efficiency in their photocatalytic properties in comparison with TiO₂.     

Solvothermal synthesis and photocatalytic activity of S-doped TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> and TiS<Subscript>2</Subscript> powders

The photocatalytic activity of S-doped TiO₂ powder depends on the S content. To synthesize S-doped TiO₂ powders with high S content, solvothermal processes were used in this work. The S-doped TiO₂ powder contains 2.0 M% sulfur and has an absorption edge of 460 nm (2.7 eV). The pure TiS₂ powder also synthesized by a solvothermal process has an absorption edge of 595 nm (2.08 eV) and broad absorption above 595 nm. The photocatalysis experiments indicate that the degradation of methyl orange is associated with the light adsorption edge. The photocatalytic activity is much larger for the pure TiS₂ powder than for partially S-doped TiO₂ powder.     

Visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of microcystin-LR by Bi-doped TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Bi-doped nano-crystalline TiO₂ (Bi–TiO₂) has been synthesized by sonocrystallization at low temperature. The Bi–TiO₂ materials have narrower bandgaps than pristine TiO₂, which endow them with significant visible light absorption. Accordingly, these materials had enhanced photocatalytic activity in the degradation of organic dye pollutants and the cyanotoxin microcystin-LR (MC-LR) under visible irradiation. It was found that degradation of MC-LR is rather efficient. After irradiation with visible light for 12 h the original MC-LR was removed completely, and 78% of the organic carbon was mineralized into CO₂ after irradiation for 20 h. The hydroxyl radical (·OH) is the major active species responsible for the degradation reaction. Identified intermediates primarily originate from attack of ·OH radicals on the double bonds between C4 and C5 (C6 and C7) of Adda and the ethylenic bond of Mdha in MC-LR. Some peptide bonds are also broken with longer irradiation time.     

TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> binary xerogels: Synthesis and characterization

Silica/titania binary xerogels were prepared by joint hydrolysis of the ingredients. Gels of various compositions were characterized by ¹H NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry. The spectral characteristics of binary systems differ considerably from mere superposition of the spectra of the two constituent compounds and the spectrum of a mechanical mixture. A feasibility was demonstrated for controlling the acid properties of binary oxide gels via varying the component mole ratio.