Preparation of TiO2/PS complex nanoparticles

TiO2/polystyrene (PS) complex nanoparticles were successfully prepared through a novel two-step preparation method (TSPM) with styrene monomer and TiCl4 and characterized by XRD, TEM, TG-DTA, elemental analysis and IR techniques. Herein, TiCl4 was used as both the catalyst for polymerizing styrene and Ti source. The IR spectrum of TiO2/PS showed the growths of the group CO on the chain of PS and Ti–O–C bond between TiO2 and PS. From its TEM, particles were observed to be nanosized and the average size was about 7 nm. The nanosize and the polar groups are advantageous for good absorptive property and strong interaction of PS and TiO2 and bringing their functions in the single material. Catalytic experiments indicated that the complex nanomaterial could fully decolorize dye MB in 10 min under the sunlight.