ISSN 1017-2548(Print)
ISSN 2234-8530(Online)
Volume 49, Number 6
JKCSEZ 49(6)
December 20, 2005 

The TiO₂ photocatalysts in the anatase, rutile, and both phases were prepared by the hydrolysis of TiCl₄. The prepared samples have been characterized by powder x-ray diffraction(XRD), BET, TEM, XPS, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra show a slight shift to longer wavelengths and an extension of the absorption in the visible region for rutile and rutile/anatase mixtures compared to the anatase catalyst. The photoactivity of these catalysts was tested in the photocatalytic degradation of congo red diluted in water under UV and Visible irradiation. It was found that catalysts of both phases have better catalytic activity for degradation of congo red than anatase and rutile catalysts. The fraction of rutile plays a significant role in affecting its photoactivity for photodegradation of with optimum fraction can enhance photoactivity, especially under visible light irradiation.