Preparation of {0 1 0}-faceted anatase TiO2 nanocuboids from peroxotitanium complex solution

{0 1 0}-faceted anatase TiO2 nanocuboids have been fabricated by hydrothermal route using peroxotitanium complex solution as precursor. The effects of reaction time, the amount of urea and temperature on the formation of {0 1 0}-faceted anatase TiO2 were characterized by XRD, FESEM and TEM. The growth mechanism of nanocuboids was proposed that the nanocuboids were formed by the transition from H2Ti2O5·H2O phase to anatase TiO2 in the basic condition. The photocatalytic performance of the prepared samples was tested in the degradation of Rhodamine B and the anatase nanocuboids exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity compared with the standard P25 powders. - Graphical abstract: Anatase TiO2 nanocuboids with exposed {0 1 0} facets prepared by a hydrothermal method exhibit superior photocatalytic activity for degradation Rhodamine B to P25. Highlights: ► One-step route to prepare {0 1 0}-faceted anatase TiO2 nanocrystal is developed. ► Control synthesis of {0 1 0}-faceted anatase nanocuboids. ► Mechanism on formation of anatase nanocuboids under hydrothermal condition. ► The enhanced photocatalytic reactivity of nanocuboids is attributed to reactive facets.