Preparation of TiO2/Kaolinite Nanocomposite and Its Photocatalytical Activity

Titanium dioxide/kaolinite nanocomposite was prepared by the sol-gel method, with layered kaolinite as a substrate and Ti(OC4H9)4 as a precursor. The effects of hydrolysis, drying and calcination on the production of nanometric titanium dioxide were discussed. The optimal conditions for preparation were obtained through experiments. The 1–10 nm thick monolayer anatase nano TiO2 crystal was produced under the conditions as follows: hydrolyzed at 37–42 °C for 4 h, dried at 70–80 °C for 1 h, and calcined at 550–650 °C for 3 h. The rate of degradation of 40 mg/L azo dye and 20 mg/L acid red dye can reach 96% and 81.45%, respectively.