A Comparison on Physical, Structural, and Photocatalytical Properties of TiO ₂ Nanopowders Produced Using Sol‐Gel and Flame Spray Pyrolysis

Abstract

In this study, nanoscale photocatalyst TiO 2 powders were synthesized via sol‐gel and flame spray pyrolysis ( FSP ). Phase structures and ratios were analyzed by X ‐ray diffractometer ( XRD ). Size, specific surface area, and morphologies were determined using particle size analyzer, B runauer‐ E mmett‐Teller theory, and scanning electron microscope, respectively. Anatase phase with some rutile together was obtained in XRD analysis. The degradation rates of aqueous methylene blue ( MB ) by T iO 2 nanopowders were calculated using UV –vis spectrophotometer. It was found that MB decomposition was successfully achieved with significantly high efficiencies for both sol ‐gel and FSP ‐derived powders with small differences.