Catalytic property of TiO₂/PS complex nanoparticles prepared via a novel TSM

Abstract

With an average size of 7 nm and good catalytic property under the natural light, TiO₂/PS complex nanoparticles were successfully prepared through a novel two-step method (TSM) from TiCl₄, used as both the catalyst for polymerization of styrene and Ti source, and styrene monomer and characterized by TG-DTA, XRD, IR, TEM and UV-Vis techniques. Its catalytic property was evaluated by the decolourization and degradation of dye MB solution under the natural light. From its TEM, the particles with an average size of 7 nm were observed without the separation of TiO₂ and PS phases, i.e., TiO₂/PS was hybrid material in nanosize scale. IR spectrum of TiO₂/PS showed increase of unsaturated degree and growth of the group C=O on the chain of PS and Ti–O–C coordination bond between TiO₂ and PS. The nanosize of the TiO₂/PS complex particles and the conjugated structure and polar groups of PS were advantageous to good adsorptive property and strong interaction of PS and TiO₂. And they brought multi-functions of inorganic and organic materials in the single material. Catalytic experiments indicated that the complex nanoparticles could catalytically degrade dye MB solution in 10 min under the natural light while P25 basically showed adsorptive property for MB molecules under the same conditions.