Hydrothermal temperature as a morphological control factor: Preparation, characterization and photocatalytic activity of titanate nanotubes and nanoribbons

Layered titanate nanotubes (TNTs) and titanate nanoribbons (TNRs) were synthesized via hydrothermal treatment from commercial TiO2. Formation of nanotubes and nanoribbons were monitored by varying the hydrothermal reaction temperature and time. The two parameters hydrothermal reaction temperature and time was 100 °C for 24 h/72 h, 150 °C for 24 h/72 h and 200 °C for 24 h/72 h. The morphology, structure and optical properties were systematically analyzed, with samples are characterized by TEM, XRD, XPS, SEM, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm (BET) as well as Raman, FT-IR and UV–Vis/DR spectroscopy. The study revealed that reaction temperature is the parameter for morphological control of the product. Structure and physical properties of TNTs and TNRs are summarized. Further, dense products are obtained by increase the reaction time for the same temperature. The photocatalytic activities were assessed under UV light by degradation of rhodamine B aqueous solution. Results revealed that, degradation of TNTs and TNRs was observed, after samples annealed once at 400 °C, which is due to occurrence of phase transformation from titanate to anatase TiO2 and TiO2 (B) respectively.