Sol–gel synthesis,characterization and photocatalytic activity of mesoporous TiO2/γ-Al2O3 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.