Synthesis of silica–titania composite aerogel beads for the removal of Rhodamine B in water

Abstract

Silica–titania (SiO₂–TiO₂) aerogel beads are synthesized by a single-step sol–gel reaction, followed by supercritical drying. The SiO₂–TiO₂ aerogel beads consist of nanoparticles, which interconnect to form mesoporous networks. The TiO₂ nanoparticles distributed in the mesoporous networks have anatase phase. The SiO₂–TiO₂ aerogel beads with large adsorption capacities and high photocatalytic activities can efficiently remove Rhodamine B (RhB) from water. They can be easily recovered from the reaction solution and retain excellent removal capabilities even after several successive adsorption–photodegradation cycles.