Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of Anatase TiO_2 Nanoparticles for Degradation of Methyl Orange

摘要

In present study, TiO_2 nanoparticles, in anatase form, were successfully synthesized using TiCl_4 as precursor. These nanoparticles were synthesized by sol-gel method at room temperature (298 K). As prepared samples were characterized for phase structure, optical absorption and surface properties using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The synthesized TiO_2 nanoparticles sample was compared with one of the most efficient commercial photocatalyst Degussa TiO_2 also known as P(25). The effect of phase composition of anatase TiO_2 nanoparticles, as compared to P(25), on photocatalytic decomposition of organic dye, methyl orange (MO) was studies under UV light illumination. An enhanced degradation of hazardous dye was observed in the presence of anatase TiO_2 nanoparticles as compared to P(25) due to slow recombination rate. Other possible reasons for this enhancement have also been discussed.