Synthesis and properties of a microtube photocatalyst with photoactive inner surface and inert outer surface

Synthesis of a photocatalyst with a novel particle form, its photoactivity, and the degradation of polyvinyl alcohol containing the photocatalyst were studied in detail. A microtube photocatalyst with titanium dioxide particles supported on the inner surface of the microtube was synthesized by adding fine titanium dioxide particles in the formation process of basic magnesium carbonate microtube. The photoactivity of the microtube photocatalyst was confirmed from the decomposition of 2-propanol under blacklight irradiation. Moreover, the microtube photocatalyst was found to cause no degradation of polyvinyl alcohol, whereas, it decomposed 2-propanol with its photoactivity when impregnated in a polyvinyl alcohol foam. This fact was considered to be derived from the unique structure of the microtube photocatalyst, which has a photoactive inner surface with titanium dioxide and an inert outer surface of basic magnesium carbonate.