Large-surface mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles: Synthesis, growth and photocatalytic performance

[Display omitted] ► Hydrothermal approach in boiling water for generation of mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles. ► The TiO2 nanoparticles show superior photocatalytic activity to the commercialized TiO2 P25. ► Acetone plays a key role in the formation of TiO2 colloids under ambient conditions. This study demonstrates a facile and effective method to generate mono-dispersed titanium dioxide spheres at ambient conditions. The size of the colloids can be controlled from 60 to 500nm by optimizing experimental parameters (e.g., concentration, time, and temperature). Anatase TiO2 can be obtained through titanium glycolate colloids generated in acetone via two ways: water boiling approach and calcination at a high temperature of 500°C. Particle characteristics (shape, size, and size distribution) were measured by advanced techniques, including transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), UV/Vis absorption spectrum, nitrogen gas adsorption and desorption isotherms Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area measurement, and X-ray diffraction technique (XRD). The possible mechanism of nucleation and growth of such colloids was discussed. The role of acetone in the formation and growth of titanium glycolate colloids was also investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Finally, the photocatalysis performance of such anatase TiO2 particles was tested and proved to be efficient in degradation of organic dyes (e.g., phenolphthalein and methly orange).