Preparation of TiO2/C Composites via Titanium Glycerolate Pyrolysis

Abstract

Titania-based composites TiO₂/C were manufactured by thermolyzing titanium glycerolate under an inert atmosphere at temperatures in the range 360–850°C. The structure of the compound was shown to be determined by Ti(C₃H₇O₃)₄ heat-treatment conditions. Composite formation (up to 400°C) involves the formation of an X-ray amorphous phase with the short-range order typical of anatase titania. A rise in thermolysis temperature (400–600°C) leads to the formation of anatase TiO₂/C. The composites TiO₂/C manufactured at temperatures above 600°C are anatase + rutile mixtures. TiO₂/C particles have a rod-like morphology 100–250 nm in diameter and up to 6.5 μm long, retaining it up to 850°C. The presence of carbon in samples is verified by Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetry.