Novel nanosized anatase TiO2 hexagonal prism filled with nanoporous structure

In the present work, we demonstrate the synthesis of a novel nanosized TiO2 with the potential photocatalytic applications. Firstly, the hexagonal prisms were synthesized by dealloying TiCu amorphous alloy in HNO3 solution containing F- ions. These hexagonal prisms were composed of (NR4)(0.3)TiO1.1F2.1 wrapped with anatase TiO2 shell. After calcination at 550 degrees C, the hexagonal anatase TiO2 prisms filled with nanoporous structure were formed. The as-formed materials were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The formation procedure and mechanism were discussed. The as-formed hexagonal TiO2 combines the advantages of well-ordered hexagonal prism and nanoporous structure, and then exhibits good photocatalytic properties. The unique nanostructure of hexagonal TiO2 is expected to benefit as an advanced photocatalyst. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.