Solvothermal Synthesis of TiO2 Nanoparticles in Benzyl Alcohol: Preparation and Characterization of the Polymeric Nanocomposite

In this study, titanium dioxide (TiO2) synthesis was carried out by the solvothermal methodology using benzyl alcohol as the organic solvent. The influence of TiO2 nanoparticles on the morphology and property of the polysulfone (PSf) membrane was investigated. The PSf/TiO2 nanocomposite membranes were prepared by the phase inversion method. TiO2 nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed in a 15% w/w PSf solution. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy indicated the formation of TiO2 nanocrystals in the anatase phase. The incorporation of 1, 3, and 5% w/w of TiO2 in the PSf membranes was studied, and the formation of the PSf/TiO2 nanocomposites was confirmed by XRD which presents an additional peak related to the anatase phase of TiO2. The membranes showed a dense surface layer, the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles led to the formation of macrovoids.