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1590383 
Journal Article 
A review of TiO2 nanoparticles 
Gupta, SM; Tripathi, M 
2011 
Yes 
Chinese Science Bulletin
ISSN: 1001-6538
EISSN: 1861-9541 
56 
16 
1639-1657 
WOS:000290799600002 
Climate change and the consumption of non-renewable
resources are considered as the greatest problems facing humankind. Because of this,
photocatalysis research has been rapidly expanding. TiO2 nanoparticles have been extensively
investigated for photocatalytic applications including the decomposition of organic compounds and
production of H-2 as a fuel using solar energy. This article reviews the structure and electronic
properties of TiO2, compares TiO2 with other common semiconductors used for photocatalytic
applications and clarifies the advantages of using TiO2 nanoparticles. TiO2 is considered close
to an ideal semiconductor for photocatalysis but possesses certain limitations such as poor
absorption of visible radiation and rapid recombination of photogenerated electron/hole pairs. In
this review article, various methods used to enhance the photocatalytic characteristics of TiO2
including dye sensitization, doping, coupling and capping are discussed. Environmental and energy
applications of TiO2, including photocatalytic treatment of wastewater, pesticide degradation and
water splitting to produce hydrogen have been summarized. 
nanoparticles; photocatalyst; TiO2; dye sensitization; doping; coupling; capping