Preparation of TiO2/kaolinite nanocomposite and its photocatalytical activity

Titanium dioxide/kaolinite nanocomposite was prepared by the sol-gel method, with layered kaolinite as a substrate and Ti(OC4H9)4 as a precursor. The effects of hydrolysis, drying and calcination on the production of nanometric titanium dioxide were discussed. The optimal conditions for preparation were obtained through experiments. The 1-10 nm thick monolayer anatase nano Ti02 crystal was produced under the conditions as follows: hydrolyzed at 37-42°C for 4 h, dried at 70-80°C for 1 h, and calcined at 550-650°C for 3 h. The rate of degradation of 40 mg/L azo dye and 20 rag/L acid red dye can reach 96% and 81.45%, respectively.