Composites of TiO2-aluminum pillared montmorillonite: Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

Aluminum pillared montmorillonite was prepared and used as a porous support for synthesis of TiO2-based photocatalysts with varying TiO2 loading. The physicochemical properties of the TiO2-pillared montmorillonite samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption isotherm, UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Photocatalytic activity of the materials was evaluated by methylene blue photodegradation in aqueous solution. The titania content in the composites significantly influenced the physicochemical properties and catalytic activity. High TiO2 loading in the composite produced crystalline TiO2 and enhanced dye degradation.