Interfaced titanium dioxide anatase–rutile nanocomposites by thermohydrolysis in presence of small amounts of Sn(IV) and their photocatalytic properties

Submicronic anatase–rutile nanocomposite particles with tuned phase ratio were produced by thermohydrolysis of acidic Ti(IV) solutions in the presence of controlled amount of Sn(IV). HRTEM shows that the 10 nm diameter obtained nanoparticles exhibit epitaxial relationships between anatase {2 0 0} and rutile {2 1 0} planes, building porous submicronic composite agglomerates with high specific surface area (200 m2/g). Phenol photodegradation under UV light was optimal for anatase–rutile ratio close to 15% rutile, mimicking P25.