One-step synthesis of crystalline anatase TiO2 nanospindles and investigation on their photocatalytic performance

Crystalline anatase TiO2 nanospindles were synthesized via a facile one-step and surfactant-free hydrothermal method without calcination procedure. The product was characterized by XRD, SEM and HRTEM, and the phase, morphology as well as the exposed facets was ascertained. Specific surface area of the as-synthesized TiO2 nanospindles was calculated based on N-2 adsorption-desorption.isotherms. The photocatalytic activities of both the TiO2 nanospindles and the commercial P25 TiO2 nanoparticles were examined via the photodegradation of organic dyes. The former sample exhibits a much higher photocatalytic activity and the origin is discussed. In addition, the stability of the as-synthesized TiO2 photocatalyst was studied through repeated use of the sample. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.