The synthesis of TiO2 using a nanocrystalline cellulose template improves its photocatalytic performance

Using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as a template in the production of TiO2 has a positive impact on its crystal and porous structure, ultimately improving its photocatalytic performance. In this study, TiO2 photocatalysts with mesoporous anatase structures were prepared by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis using sulfate-ester-modified CNCs as the template. The effects of CNC concentration on the structure and performance of TiO2 were investigated in detail. The addition of CNCs was found to inhibit TiO2 transformation from the anatase to rutile phase, and abundant hydroxyl and sulfate ester groups on the CNCs provide narrow confined spaces for the crystal growth of TiO2, leading to the generation of smaller crystals with more exposed (001) crystal faces. Moreover, the CNCs act as a template for the pore structure remaining after calcination, thus increasing the specific surface area of the TiO2. Among the numerous samples evaluated, that prepared with a CNC concentration of 0.15 wt% and calcined at 600 degrees C had the highest percentage of (001) crystalline surface exposure. In photodegradation tests using phenol as a model pollutant, a degradation rate of 97.4 % and mineralization rate of 79.9 % were achieved with 60 min of light exposure. Thus, this study provides a clear approach for the directional synthesis of mesoporous TiO2 from biomass template materials.