Titanium Dioxide Porous Nanostructures for Photo Catalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxides

We demonstrated a synthesis for making TiO₂ nanostructures based on a low temperature, non-aqueous method. Mild annealing was performed under reducing environment in order to tune the structures. These materials were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), diffusive-reflective UV-Vis spectroscopy, and nitrogen adsorption isotherm. The as-made TiO₂ nanostructures were largely in disordered anatase phase based on the PXRD measurement. Post-synthesis treatment changed the nanostructures. These TiO₂ nanostructures were studied as catalysts in gas phase photo reductions of carbon dioxide gas. The main product was CO with CH₄ as the minor product.  The relationship between the nanostructures and catalytic properties will be presented.