Synthesis and photocatalytic properties of Palladium-loaded three dimensional flower-like anatase TiO2 with dominant {001} facets

Palladium-loaded (Pd-loaded) anatase TiO2 with dominant {001) facets used as photocatalysts was prepared by a two-step process. Three dimensional flower-like structures of anatase TiO2 with exposed {001) facets were synthesized by solvothermal method, and then Pd nanoparticles were photodeposited onto the {101) surface of TiO2 by UV reduction. The resulting Pd/TiO2 was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV vis diffuse reflectance spectra. Characterization results indicated that the flower-like structures of anatase TiO2 were assembled by two dimensional nanosheets with a thickness of approximately 10 nm and a length of approximately 1.0 mu m. The Pd/TiO2 nanocomposites with improved visible-light harvesting capability, high charge-hole mobility, and low electron-hole recombination exhibited improved photocatalytic performance in degrading bisphenol A. This study provided new insights into the fabrication and practical application of high-performance photocatalysts in degrading organic pollutants. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.