TiO2 nanorods: hydrothermal fabrication and photocatalytic activities

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanorods with anatase phase have been fabricated successfully by a simple hydrothermal technique. The well dispersed sample can be obtained by controlling the reaction environment at PH value of 10. The TiO2 nanorods have been characterized by X-ray diffraction patterns, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy. The diameters of these TiO2 nanorods are about 10-20 nm and the lengths are in the range of 200-500 nm. The as-prepared TiO2 photocatalyst is more efficient in the photodegradation of RhB than nanoparticles and nanospheres. The stability and recycle of the TiO2 system also have been investigated.