Direct synthesis of mesoporous TiO2 using PVA as surfactant template and assessment of their photocatalytic activities

Mesoporous TiO2 with the visible-light active photocatalyst activity in methylene blue adsorption and Cu(II) ions were effectively synthesized using PVA as a surfactant template through hydrothermal treatment. The preparation of mesoporous TiO2 was identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDX. The results nitrogen adsorption on TiO2 indicate the presence of mesoporous materials type IV with H2-type hysteresis loop with specific surface area 106 m2/g, pore volume 0.18 cc/g, and pore diameter 11 nm. XRD analysis was obtained anatase phase with tetragonal structure. It was observed that the SEM morphology indicated of mesoporous TiO2 were successful. In addition, the performance of a photocatalytic activity in methylene blue and Cu(II) ions physisorption as a model organic and inorganic pollutants was 96 mg/g and 1620 mg/g. The findings of this study suggest that it is surprising to clear the environment by degradation treatment of wastewater.