Hierarchically Porous Anatase Nanoparticles Derived from One-Dimensional Lepidocrocite Titanate for Bisphenol-A Photodegradation

Herein, we discuss the conversion of one-dimensional lepidocrocite (1DL) titanate nanofilaments to anatase. Upon heating at temperatures >400 °C, the hierarchical 1DLs porous mesostructured particles transform to anatase, while retaining their morphology. These assemblies are characterized via X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and solid-state ultraviolet absorbance. The assemblies were tested in the photodegradation of a water-soluble, endocrine-disrupting organic compound, bisphenol A (BPA). Using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, we show that 95% of BPA is degraded in 1 h under 1 sun of the simulated solar spectrum. Under the same conditions, the total organic carbon of the solution was reduced by 70%.