Monitoring the Structure Evolution of Titanium Oxide Photocatalysts: From the Molecular Form via the Amorphous State to the Crystalline Phase.

ABSTRACT: Amorphous Ti_x O_y with high surface area has attracted significant interest as photocatalyst with higher activity in ultraviolet (UV) light-induced water splitting applications compared to commercial nanocrystalline TiO₂ . Under photocatalytic operation conditions, the structure of the molecular titanium alkoxide precursor rearranges upon hydrolysis and leads to higher connectivity of the structure-building units. Structurally ordered domains with sizes smaller than 7 Å form larger aggregates. The experimental scattering data can be explained best with a structure model consisting of an anatase-like core and a distorted shell. Upon exposure to UV light, the white Ti_x O_y suspension turns dark corresponding to the reduction of Ti^4+</

SUBMITTER: Onur Sahin E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8456846 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature