Preparation and photocatalytic activity of robust titania monoliths for water remediation.

TiO(2) monoliths were prepared, characterized, and evaluated for photocatalytic performance. The TiO(2) monoliths were found to have an interconnected void lattice and a bimodal porous structure with macropores and mesopores after calcination at 500-700 °C. Monoliths calcined at 500 °C had high specific surface area (93.1 m(2)/g) and porosity (68%), which were maintained after calcination at 700-1100 °C (51-46%). The calcined monoliths had relatively high Vickers hardness (∼104) despite their porous structure. Monoliths calcined at 500 and 700 °C exhibited high performance for methylene blue decolorization because of their high specific surface area.