Modification of dense TiO2 particles using polyethylene glycol template: Synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic activity

In this study, an effort has been made to prepare TiO2 materials by sol-gel technique using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as pore directing agent. Different PEG amounts were used during samples preparation in order to investigate the change in intrinsic material properties. The photocatalytic activity of prepared catalysts was estimated by measuring the decomposition of arylazo pyridone dye. The optimum template amount was determined, resulting in catalyst with enhanced textural properties, optimal anatase/rutile ratio and hence improved photocatalytic properties. Specific surface area and anatase/rutile ratio were found to be the main contributing factors to the catalyst activity. A synergistic effect between anatase and rutile TiO2 has been observed, since the presence of relatively inactive rutile phase enhanced the photoactivity of mixed TiO2.