Thermokinetic studies of the groups on TiO2 surface

The properties of groups on TiO₂ surface were evaluated by infrared (IR) spectra and thermal analysis. It could be found that water and ethanol are removed mainly between 343 and 363 K and the process is accompanied by an endothermic change. The results also show that ethanol could be removed completely below 673 K and the physically bonded or hydrogen‐bonded water could be removed almost completely above 873 K. The exothermic peaks ranging from 573 to 773 K are caused by the changes that chemisorbed water (Ti‐O‐H) on the surface condenses and evolves into water. There appears broad and unstable endothermic process in all temperature ranges due to the adhesions or transformations among the crystal particles. Thermogravimetry (TG) results show that with heat treatment at increasing temperatures, the groups on TiO₂ surface decreases gradually. The half peak breadth of X‐ray diffractometer (XRD) results suggest that TiO₂ crystallize better with higher temperature calcination. The photo‐catalytic efficiency was evaluated by UV‐Vis spectrophotometer. TiO₂ with heat treatment at higher temperature shows more effective photo‐catalytic property. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.