Controlled synthesis of TiO2 nanosheets with exposed (001) facets for enhanced photocatalytic activity

Tailor-made TiO2 nanocrystals with well-defined exposed facets have attracted increasing research interest recently. The exposed facets greatly determine the reactive activity of TiO2 nanocrystals and dominate their application potential. Size-controllable TiO2 nanosheets with highly reactive {001} facets were synthesized by a conventional hydrothermal synthesis process. The particle sizes ranged from 25 nm to several micrometres and a tuneable percentage of {001} surface area ranged from 50 % to 90 % according to the particle size. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanosheets smaller than 100 nm was much higher and very stable, comparing to the commercial TiO2 photocatalysts.