Spray pyrolysis synthesis of mesoporous TiO2 microspheres and their post modification for improved photocatalytic activity

Mesoporous $TiO_2$ microspheres were prepared by spray pyrolysis for photocatalysis. Post modification of $TiO_2$ by heat treatment was performed to optimize its photocatalytic performance. First, spherical $TiO_2$ particles with mesoporous structure were synthesized at pyrolysis temperatures of 500, 600, and $700^{\circ}C$. After characterization by XRD, SEM, and $N_2$ adsorption, a sample prepared at $500^{\circ}C$ was found to possess desirable properties for photocatalytic performance through post-modification. In methylene blue degradation, mesoporous $TiO_2$ microspheres synthesized at $500^{\circ}C$ outperformed other microspheres. Furthermore, samples obtained by spray pyrolysis at $500^{\circ}C$ were calcined at various temperatures as a post-modification process. The sample calcined at $350^{\circ}C$ showed improved photocatalytic activity due to optimal anatase crystallinity and surface area.