Study on preparation and photocatalytic properties of F-containing TiO2 nanopowders using wet-process from Ammonium Hexafluorotitanate
F-containing TiO2 nanopowders are synthesized using simple wet processes (precipitation-based and hydrothermal) from ammonium hexafluorotitanate (AHFT, (NH4)2TiF6) as a precursor to apply as a photocatalyst for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB). The surface properties of the prepared samples are evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results confirm that the synthesized anatase TiO2 has sphere-like shapes, with numerous small nanoparticles containing fluorine on the surface. The photocatalytic activity of F-containing TiO2 compared with F-free TiO2 is characterized by measuring the degradation of RhB using a xenon lamp. The photocatalytic degradation of F-containing TiO2 exhibits improved photocatalytic activity, based on the positive effects of adsorbed F ions on the surface.