Controllable synthesis and photocatalytic properties of hierarchical flower-like TiO2 nanostructure

Hierarchical flower-like TiO2 nanostructure has been successfully synthesized via a modified hydrothermal technique. The effects of the concentrations of H2O2, HNO3, and NaOH, as well as the reaction temperature and time on the morphology of TiO2 have been studied. The morphology, microstructure, and specific surface area of the flower-like TiO2 structure were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and surface area analysis. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 obtained under different conditions for degradation of methylene blue dye was investigated by ultraviolet light irradiation. The hierarchical flower-like anatase TiO2 nanostructure has a high specific surface area, and exhibits excellent activity in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue.