Characterization and photocatalytic performance of nanosize TiO2 powders prepared by the solvothermal method

The solvothermal reaction of titanium tetra-isopropoxide (TTIP) in different alcohol solvents was investigated in the pressure range 40±2 bar to prepare Titanium (IV) oxide. The results show that the physical properties of the products, such as crystal size, shape, and structure, are strongly in fluenced by the types of solvents and temperature during the reaction. The effects of reaction conditions on the physical properties and the crystal structure of powder were investigated by using XRD, SEM, DLS, DSC and BET. The obtained TiO2 powder prepared at an organic solvent condition exhibited submicron size and huge surface area with a narrow size distribution but some agglomeration. TiO2 powder prepared at 1,4-butanediol and 623 K shows the highest photoactivity on the photodegradation rate of methyl orange.