Laponite-supported titania photocatalysts

This study builds on previous results published on the synthesis and characterisation of laponite-supported titania photocatalysts. Titania nanocrystals are prepared prior to addition to the clay dispersion, by a sol-gel synthesis incorporating a microwave hydrothermal step. In addition to previously examinations with XRD, TEM and FT-IR, the samples are further characterised with SEM, 29Si NMR and BET N2 sorption to gain an insight into the effect of Ti concentration and surface area on the photoactivity of the samples