Synthesis of Echinoid-like TiO2 Particles through Modified Sol-Gel Method Using PVA as a Surface-directing Agent and Their Photocatalytic Activity

Abstract

Echinoid-like TiO2 particles were prepared via modified sol-gel process using PVA as a surface-directing agent in acetic acid solution. The surface of echinoid-like TiO2 particle is significantly rough, and the size of the particles is 800-1100 nm. The specific surface area and average pore size of echinoid-like TiO2 particles are 82.81 m(2) g(-1) and 11.79 nm, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of echinoid-like TiO2 particles was very high compared with P25 due to larger surface area.