A simple, template-free route for the synthesis of mesoporous titanium dioxide materials

Abstract

Mesoporous titanium dioxide (TiO₂) materials have been synthesized by a novel simple, template-free synthetic approach, which was carried out via nitric acid-catalyzed hydrolysis and polycondensation reactions of titanium(IV) n-butoxide. The as-prepared and calcinated mesoporous TiO₂ materials are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and N₂ adsorption/desorption measurements. The as-prepared amorphous TiO₂ possesses a high BET surface area of 470 m² g⁻¹ and a pore volume of 0.28 cm³ g⁻¹. After calcinations at 450 °C, anatase mesoporous TiO₂ is formed with a BET surface area of 106 m² g⁻¹ and an average pore size of 4.8 nm. Avoidance of the structure-directing template during the synthesis of mesoporous TiO₂ is of significant importance for application from both environmental and industrial points of view.