Synthesis, analysis and characterization of ordered mesoporous TiO2/SBA-15 matrix: Effect of calcination temperature

Mesoporous TiO2/SBA-15 matrix was prepared by the sol-gel synthesis of TiO2 in previously prepared SBA-15 particles. Nonionic surfactant was used as liquid template and Na2SiO4 as SiO2 precursor for the synthesis of mesoporous silica SBA-15 with high specific surface area. Different calcination temperature was used for the synthesis and analysis of TiO2/SBA-15 matrix. The synthesized titania/silica composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, FFIR, TEM, UV-vis spectroscopy, etc. TEM micrographs showed titania is successfully embedded in SBA-15 channel. Different calcination temperature indicates different size of particle formation and different photocatalytic properties. The activity test indicated that TiO2/SBA-15 composite prepared by this method had better photocatalytic performance than pure TiO2. The preparation method and the textural characteristics of mesoporous materials have great influence for the photocatalytic activity. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.