Biotemplated synthesis of hierarchically nanostructured TiO2 using cellulose and its applications in photocatalysis

Abstract

Hierarchically nanostructured TiO₂ has been hydrothermally synthesized using cellulose as a biotemplate involving various types of acids. We show that the surface charges of nanocrystalline cellulose and reaction parameters including reaction temperature, acid to cellulose ratio and reaction time have a large effect on the morphology and nanostructures of TiO₂ products. The photocatalytic activity of as-synthesized, calcined hierarchically nanostructured TiO₂ and calcined hierarchically nanostructured TiO₂ loaded Au nanoparticles is evaluated by photo-degradation of methyl orange under white light.