Photodegradation of Congo red under sunlight catalysed by nanorod rutile TiO2

Nanorod titanium oxide was obtained at room temperature and normal pressure using a simple method of preparation. The dilute titanium(III) chloride solution was stirred at room temperature for several hours, and then ammonium hydroxide was added. A white gel TiO2·xH2O was obtained with nanorod shape and rutile crystalline structure. When Congo red solution was mixed with the wet gel; adsorption of Congo red took place in few seconds. The Congo red adsorbed on titanium oxide particles was easily decomposed under sunlight. Powder TiO2·0.6H2O, obtained by drying the gel at room temperature, was also active under sunlight; although it showed slower adsorption compared to the wet gel TiO2·xH2O.