Hierarchically nanostructured porous TiO_2(B) with superior photocatalytic CO_2 reduction activity

摘要

Hierarchically nanostructured, porous TiO_2(B) microspheres were synthesized by a microwave-assisted solvothermal method combined with subsequent heat treatment in air. The materials were carefully characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, CO_2 adsorption, and a range of spectroscopies, including Raman, infrared, X-ray photoelectron and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The hierarchical TiO_2(B) particles are constructed by ultrathin nanosheets and possess large specific surface area, which provided many active sites for CO_2 adsorption as well as CO_2 conversion. The TiO_2(B)nanostructures exhibited marked photocatalytic activity for CO_2 reduction to methane and methanol. Anatase TiO_2 and P25 were used as the reference photocatalysts. Transient photocurrent measurement also proved the higher photoactivity of TiO_2(B) than that of anatase TiO_2. In-situ infrared spectrum was measured to identify the intermediates and deduce the conversion process of CO_2 under illumination over TiO_2(B) photocatalyst.