Effect of synthesis temperature on the morphology, structure and photocatalytic activity of TiO_2 nanocrystals

摘要

Nanocrystals of TiO_2 were synthesized by a single-step chemical reaction between oleic acid and titanium (IV) iso-propoxide. The morphology and structure of the crystals were studied by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The vibrational properties of the nanocrystals were studied by Raman spectroscopy. The ultraviolet photocatalytic activity of the TiO_2 nanocrystals was investigated by studying the photodegradation of aqueous solution of protocatecheuic acid (3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid).