Anatase TiO2 Nanosheets Exposed {001} Facet: Solvent Effects on the Photocatalytic Performance

Anatase TiO2 with exposed {001} facets were synthesized via solvothermal method by using titanium (IV) butoxide as Ti source, hydrofluoric acid as capping agent and alcohol as solvent. Different alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and n-butanol were investigated systematically. As-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The results indicated that regular TiO2 nanosheets were created from ethanol and isopropanol alcohol even though the size and thickness changed. However, TiO2 nanosheets were attached together in methanol and n-butanol. The reasons of solvent effect the morphology and properties of TiO2 crystals exposed {001} facets have been discussed. The photocatalysis investigation of samples was carried out by degradating methyl orange under ultraviolet light irradiation. TiO2 nanosheets obtained in ethanol solvent exhibited superior photocatalytic performance compared with other samples. The reasons could attribute to TiO2 nanosheets obtained in ethanol solvent with higher specific surface area, mesoporous structure, and exposed highly active {001} facets.