Enhanced photocatalytic performance of ZnTi-LDHs with morphology control

ZnTi-LDHs with different morphologies were successfully fabricated via a surfactant-assisted hydrothermal method. With the help of surfactants, we focus on exploring the morphology control of ZnTi-LDHs, and the promotion effects on their photocatalytic performances. Experimental results showed that the type of surfactants affected the morphology of ZnTi-LDHs. With the help of anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate), ZnTi-LDHs with flower-like structures were obtained by the self-assembly of sheets. Triblock copolymers (P-123) led to the formation of ZnTi-LDH particles assembled together. Both the cationic surfactant (CTAB) and non-ionic surfactant (PVP) have less guiding effect for the growth of ZnTi-LDHs. The self-assembly of ZnTi-LDH particles exhibits excellent photocatalytic performances to methyl orange when P-123 is added into the solution as a surfactant. The formation mechanism of ZnTi-LDHs with different surfactants has been proposed. This study proposes a common mechanism of surfactants on the formation of ZnTi-LDHs, which is instructive for the further design of LDHs with controlled morphology.