Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of TiO2-hectorite composites

TiO2-hectorite composites were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electron Diffraction Spectrum (EDS) techniques. The course of composite formation, TiO2 particles were intercalated into hectorite. The specific surface areas of the samples were determined by nitrogen adsorption. The composite with a Ti content 2.5% (m/m) had a higher specific surface area than other composites. Photocatalytic properties were tested in photooxidation of methylene blue (MB).