Synthesis of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles with high temperature stability and photocatalytic activity

A fast and easy method for preparing pure and stable nano-sized TiO2 anatase phase, using mild hydrothermal conditions, is presented. The precursor is obtained via precipitation route using TiCl3 as starting material. All samples synthesized are characterized by XRD, TEM and low temperature N-2 adsorption measurements. The photocatalytic behaviour of the prepared pure TiO2 anatase samples was studied regarding the degradation of diquat aqueous solutions. The prepared materials showed a higher photocatalytic activity when compared with the performance of commercial TiO2. (C) 2007 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.