Preparation of TiO2/C Composites via Titanium Glycerolate Pyrolysis

Titania-based composites TiO2/C were manufactured by thermolyzing titanium glycerolate under an inert atmosphere at temperatures in the range 360–850°C. The structure of the compound was shown to be determined by Ti(C3H7O3)4 heat-treatment conditions. Composite formation (up to 400°C) involves the formation of an X-ray amorphous phase with the short-range order typical of anatase titania. A rise in thermolysis temperature (400–600°C) leads to the formation of anatase TiO2/C. The composites TiO2/C manufactured at temperatures above 600°C are anatase + rutile mixtures. TiO2/C particles have a rod-like morphology 100–250 nm in diameter and up to 6.5 μm long, retaining it up to 850°C. The presence of carbon in samples is verified by Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetry.