Synthesis of TiO2-loaded silicate-1 monoliths and their application for degradation rhodamine B

TiO2-loaded silicate-1 monoliths, with TiO2 (Degussa P25) nanoparticles loaded in silicate-1 crystal, were directly synthesized by combining sol-gel method and hydrothermal method. TiO2 nanoparticles were well dispersed in the system and had an intimate contact with silicate-1 zeolite. The physicochemical properties of all samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, nitrogen sorption, microstructure, and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra. X-ray diffraction and SEM images showed that silicate-1 was synthesized and the surfaces of silicate-1 particles were coated with nanoparticles. UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra, microstructure and TEM images exhibited that TiO2 nanoparticles were effectively loaded in silicate-1 crystal. BET analysis showed that all samples kept high surface area and micropore size distribution. They also allowed the quick adsorption of reaction molecules outside the surfaces and inside the micropores and showed a high efficient degradation when it is used in the oxidation of rhodamine B (RhB).