Structure characterization of TiO2-modified mesoporous MCM-41 and its photocatalytic performance for PhOH degradation

A series of TiO2-modified mesoporous silicate MCM-41 samples with variable Ti/Si ratios, where Tia existed as single or double layers, have been synth esized from tetrabutyltitanate and template-free MCM-41. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by XRD, N-2 adsorption-desorption at - 196 degr eesC, FT-IR and solid state diffuse reflectance LW-Vis spectroscopy respect ively. It was found that tetrabutyltitanate co-condensation occurred with O H groups of MCM-41 leading to Si-O-Ti bonds, so modifying the inner pore su rface of MCM-41 after hydrolysis and calcination. The photocatalytic perfor mance of the TiO(2)modified MCM-41 for PhOH degradation was tested, and it was found that the TiO2-modified MCM-41 exhibited high photocatalytic activ ity for oxidizing PhOH to CO2 and H2O.