Solvothermal synthesis of TiO₂ nanoparticles in benzyl alcohol: Preparation and characterization of the polymeric nanocomposite

In this study, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) synthesis was carried out by the solvothermal methodology using benzyl alcohol as the organic solvent. The influence of TiO₂ nanoparticles on the morphology and property of the polysulfone (PSf) membrane was investigated. The PSf/TiO₂ nanocomposite membranes were prepared by the phase inversion method. TiO₂ nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed in a 15% w/w PSf solution. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy indicated the formation of TiO₂ nanocrystals in the anatase phase. The incorporation of 1, 3, and 5% w/w of TiO₂ in the PSf membranes was studied, and the formation of the PSf/TiO₂ nanocomposites was confirmed by XRD which presents an additional peak related to the anatase phase of TiO₂. The membranes showed a dense surface layer, the addition of TiO₂ nanoparticles led to the formation of macrovoids. (author)