Synthesis of Titania Nanotubes and its Application on Oxalic Acid Removal from Aquatic Environment

Titania nanotubes were synthesized after the protonation and calcination of titanate precursors prepared at different hydrothermal temperatures. Calcination of the titanate precursors at various temperature, governs the TiO2 nanotubes formation. It was observed that sample prepared at 130 degrees C and calcination at 500 degrees C forms only anatase, but at 800 degrees C, both anatase and rutile formed. The as-prepared titania nanotubes were used as photocatalyst in order to degrade organic contaminant, oxalic acid from aqueous solution by UV irradiation. 78 % oxalic acid was removed from the aqueous media at the nanotubes dose of 2 g L-1, in 120 min.