Nanowhiskers of K2Ti6O13 as a promoter of photocatalysis in anatase mesocrystals

Here we describe the development of a new mesocrytalline anatase-based photocatalyst with an activity nearly double that commercial Evonik Aeroxide® TiO2 P25 catalyst. An extensive characterization this catalytic material XRD, TEM, SAED, EELS, SEM, RAMAN and XPS shows its is promoted by hybrid structure comprising mesocrystalline anatase K2Ti6O13 whiskers formed within mesocrystals. This unexpected component in situ framework at surprisingly low temperature 500 °C as result potassium diffusion from polymer-matrix phase. The growth occurs 001 planes mesocrystals their sizes attain 60 nm section few μm length.