Preparation and Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2/FeOOH Nanocomposite

TiO2/FeOOH nanocomposite was fabricated by a hydrolysis-precipitation approach, using TiCl4 as precursor and FeOOH as support. The crystal phase, diameter and morphology of the sample particle were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope. The results show that the samples are composed of goethite and rutile. The morphology and diameter of rutile particle, the weight percentages of goethite and rutile, and the microstructure of the samples are related to its preparing temperature and molar ratio of Fe/Ti. The photo-absorption properties of the samples and support were measured by an UV-vis spectroscopy. The results show that the absorption ability of the nanocomposite for visible light is well than that of phase pure rutile. The photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite as prepared was estimated by degradation of methyl orange (MO) under UV or visible light in an aqueous solution at 303 K. The results indicate that the photocatalytic degradation activity of the nanocomposite for MO is higher than that of phase pure rutile, and the photocatalytic property of the sample is related to its molar ratio of Fe/Ti and preparation temperature. This can be attributed to the microstructure of the nanocomposite, which can improve solar utilization and reduce the recombination rate of solar induced electron-hole pair. This implies that a synergistic effect exists between titania and goethite in the nanocomposite.