Preparation and visible-light photocatalytic activity of Cu-grafted rutile fine powder from selective leaching of BaTiO₃

Abstract

The influences of drying temperature on the crystallinity and specific surface area of TiO₂ (rutile) powders prepared from acid treatments of BaTiO₃ were investigated. Then, Cu was grafted onto the obtained powders using two sources: CuCl₂ and (CH₃COO)₂Cu (CuAc₂). The resultant powders were bundle-like rutile nanorods. Although a freeze-dried sample showed lower crystallinity and specific surface area, they increased concomitantly with increasing drying temperature. Results suggest that a hydrothermal-like reaction occurs in the samples during drying. With grafting of Cu ions, photocatalytic performance for the decomposition of gaseous 2-propanol (IPA) under visible light was improved. The optimal Cu concentration of the solutions for grafting was around 0.1%. Samples treated using a CuAc₂ solution exhibited better photocatalytic activities than those treated using a CuCl₂ solution.