Low-temperature synthesis of mesoporous TiO2 photocatalyst with self-cleaning strategy to remove organic templates

Abstract A novel low-temperature method integrated solvothermal and self-cleaning technique has been developed to prepare mesoporous TiO 2 photocatalyst using triblock copolymers P123 as templates. The organic templates could be removed completely by the self-cleaning strategy under simulated sunlight irradiation. The product is characterized by FTIR, TG, XRD, N 2 adsorption–desorption isotherms and TEM. The mild condition of the method is advantageous to retain the mesostructure compared with the calcination procedure. Further study indicates that the sample displays a higher photocatalytic activity for MO degradation than that of calcined sample, which could be attributed to its higher surface area, smaller crystal size and larger surface hydroxyl content.