Microwave Assisted Synthesis, Modification With Platinum And Photocatalytical Properties of TiO2 Nanofibers

Abstract

In the present work formation of active TiO₂ nanoparticles in microwave synthesis and their modification with platinum were studied. Anatase nanopowder and 10 M KOH solution were used as raw materials. Microwave assisted synthesis method permited to obtain TiO₂ nanofibres and nanowires with a diameter of 10 nm and a specific surface area in the range of 70 – 150 m²/g. In order to modify TiO₂ nanofibers with platinum it was stirred in H₂PtCl₆ solution under UV irradiation. Photocatalytic activity was determined by degradation of the methylene blue (MB) solution under UV and visible light irradiation. The obtained samples showed higher photocatalytic activity with respect to pure TiO₂ nanofibers. The doped TiO₂ nanofibers were appropriate for degradation of harmful organic compounds as well as for hydrogen production by water splitting.