Photocatalytic Activity of Mixed Phase TiO sub(2) from Microwave-Assisted Synthesis

Photocatalyst is an environmental clean-up material when exposed to light. It can decompose organic compounds, bacteria and fungi as well as foul odors. Titanium dioxide (TiO sub(2)) has long been well known for its powerful photocatalytic activity. However, its properties depend on several factors and synthesis method is one of them. In this work, TiO sub(2) powders were prepared by three methods, namely microwave-assisted hydrolysis of titanium oxysulfate (TiOSO sub(4)), hydrolysis of TiOSO sub(4), and also by calcining of TiOSO sub(4). Photocatalytic activity of the obtained TiO sub(2) powders were evaluated through the decomposition of methylene blue in comparison with P25 (Degussa). Results showed that the TiO sub(2) prepared at conditions of microwave 100 watts, irradiation time of 10 min was most effective when compared with the others in this work.