TiO2 Supported on Crude Sepiolite by Liquid Phase Method

TiO2 was supported on crude sepiolite by boiling reflux method. According to the X-ray diffraction, TiO2 is rutile-anatase mixing type while the composite prepared by the same method is rutile crystal. Scanning electron microscope study shows that TiO2 balls grow onto fibrous sepiolite like strings of grapes. The binding energy of Ti2p becomes 0.2eV lower in the composite. The photocatalytic performances are evaluated through studying the ability of generating hydroxyl radical（•OH）by electron spin resonance(ESR), and the decomposition rate of methyl orange in aqueous solution. It is found that the quantity of hydroxyl radical increases and the photocatalytic activity is enhanced for TiO2/sepiolite composite under natural light.