Synthesis of Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40/TiO2 Nanocomposites with Dominant TiO2 {001} Facets and Related Photocatalytic Properties

TiO2 nanosheets with dominant {001} facets, coupled with Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40, were successfully synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal reaction. The photocatalytic activity of nanocatalysts was evaluated by the degradation of Rhodamine B under UV light irradiation. The results showed that both the addition of Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40 and the exposed {001} facets of TiO2 have a positive effect on the photocatalytic activity. The improved photoactivity of nanocomposites in comparison with that of TiO2 nanosheets could be attributed to the synergistic effect between Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40 and TiO2 which facilitates the separation of photo-induced hole-electron pairs.