Low-cost synthesis of robust anatase polyhedral structures with a preponderance of exposed {001} facets for enhanced photoactivities

Anatase polyhedral materials with a preponderance of exposed {001} facets have been produced using (NH4)(2)TiF6 and water as raw materials. The crystallographic structure and the growth mechanism of the anatase TiO2 product were investigated systematically by XRD (X-ray diffraction), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), TEM (transmission electron microscope), and ultraviolet (UV) visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The products exhibited significantly higher activities than commercial P25 titania nanoparticles in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye. Moreover, the materials have large particle sizes and are very robust, making them suited for practical uses.