Morphology-Induced TiO2 Bandgap Change for Super Rapid Treatment of Dye Wastewater under Visible Light

A novel morphology-induced TiO2 nanowire-based mesh with visible light catalytic ability and super wetting behavior is successfully fabricated by a simple hydrothermal reaction. Combined the special wettability and the excellent photoelectric property of TiO2 nanowires, such material can realize reusable oil removal and soluble dye molecules degradation under visible light within 30 s. It is believed that the special nanowire morphology reduces the bandgap of TiO2 from 3.18 to 2.07 eV, and the composite of Cu(OH)(2) substrate provides the material with higher light absorption efficiency, changing the catalytic degradation condition of dye from original UV light to visible light. Such material expands the application of traditional semiconductor oxide, owns outstanding prospect to be used in industrial wastewater treatment and drinking water purification, and provides a brand new method for combining catalytic and environmental chemistry.