Novel design of facet-engineered TiO₂ nanocomposite with non-noble metal for enhancing photocatalytic activity

Abstract

To create a highly photocatalytic performance in addressing the global environmental issues, we develop a highly efficient photocatalyst engineered by a combination of control of exposed facet in TiO₂ and composite with the non-noble metal nanoparticle. The formation of a fluorinated surface during crystal growth assists the morphology control of TiO₂ with coexposed {001}/{101} facets. In addition, the deposition of nano-sized Sn particles (>10 nm) is achieved via photochemical reduction on the faceted TiO₂ from anhydrous chelated tin(II) complexes by amino acid. Here, the bidentate ligands (i.e., carboxyl and amino group) in proline molecular play a vital role in associating the strong interaction between TiO₂ surface and chelated Sn complexes. The optimal balance in the ratio of exposed {001}/{101} facets and loading amount of Sn nanoparticles are essential factors for an enhancement of photocatalytic activity for efficiently consume photo-exited electrons in the degradation of azo-dye water pollutants.