The
synthetic procedures for preparation of free-standing and attached
to polymer support surface-modified TiO2 nanoparticles
(NPs) with absorption extended into the visible spectral region due
to charge transfer complex formation were developed. The one-step
synthesis of colloids consisting of surface-modified TiO2 NPs is based on the reaction between titanium(IV) isopropoxide (TTIP)
and lauryl galatte in nonprotic organic solvents (tetrahydrofuran,
xylol, chloroform). The poly(GMA-co-EGDMA) copolymer
decorated with surface-modified TiO2 NPs was obtained in
two steps. First, copolymer was functionalized with dopamine and then
treated with TTIP in organic solvent at slightly elevated temperature.
Thorough microstructural and optical characterization of free-standing
and attached to polymer support surface-modified TiO2 NPs
was performed involving transmission electron microscopy as well as
absorption and reflection spectroscopy. Infrared spectroscopy was
used to understand coordination of ligands to surface Ti atoms. Photoredox
chemistry of surface-modified TiO2 NPs attached to the
polymer support was tested. Enhanced photooxidative ability of composite
was demonstrated by degradation of organic dye crystal violet under
visible light illumination, i.e., using photons with energy smaller
than 2.75 eV. On the other hand, photocatalytic hydrogen production
was used to demonstrate photoreduction ability of surface-modified
TiO2 NPs attached to the polymer support.
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