Stable TiO2/rectorite: Preparation, characterization and photocatalytic activity

Stable TiO2/rectorite (TR) was prepared by intercalating colloidal titania particles into rectorite at low temperature (70 °C). The TR samples were characterized by XRD, HRTEM, N2 adsorption–desorption, FT-IR and UV–vis DRS. The specific surface area of the TR could be increased to 219 m2/g. TR showed an efficient photocatalytic activity in the decomposition of the anionic dye acid red G (ARG) by UV light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity was fully maintained after five photocatalytic cycles, which could be attributed to the porous structure and the large specific surface area of TR.