Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of F/TiO2 Nanocrystals with Exposed (001) Facets via a Nonhydrolytic Solvothermal Route

F/TiO2 nanocrystals with exposed (001) facets were synthesized by a nonhydrolytic solvothermal route. The influence of F ions on the formation process was investigated in detail. The F ions function as a crystal-face directing agent and a stabilizing agent. The photocatalytic activities of the F/TiO2 and commercial P25 samples were determined by the degradation of methyl orange. The influencing factors and active species in the degradation process are discussed after particular characterization and experiments with different scavengers.