Preparation of Bi2Ti2O7/TiO2 nanocomposites and their photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation

To improve visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity of TiO2, the octahedral Bi2Ti2O7 nanoparticles have been successfully supported on TiO2 nanotubes (B12Ti(2)O(7)/TiO2) for the first time by a simple hydrothermal method. The structure and electro-optical property of the Bi2Ti2O7/TiO2 were characterized in detail. The obtained Bi2Ti2O7/TiO2 exhibited a markedly enhanced photocatalytic activity and good stability for degradation of organic pollutants under visible light. The study presents a new way to synthesize Bi2Ti2O7/TiO2 using TiO2 nanotubes as both supporter and reactant. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.