Application of hydrothermal method derived titanate nanotubes as adsorbents

Titanate nanotubes (TNT) derived from alkaline hydrothermal method are characterized by high specific surface area, specific pore volume, and ion-exchange capacity. They may be a promising and important adsorbent in the environmental protection. Although their applications in the fields of lithium ion batteries, dye-sensitized solar cell, photocatalysis, catalysts support, gas and humidity sensors, and ion exchange have been intensely studied during recent years, however, the researches concerning their potential application as an adsorbent are seldom reported. In this mini-review, we first highlight the effects of hydrothermal temperature and sodium content on the microstructures of hydrothermal method derived TNT, because the morphology and microstructure of TNT are highly dependent on the preparation conditions. Effects of the alterations of microstructures induced by the variation of hydrothermal temperature and sodium content on the dyes, heavy metal ions, and organic vapors adsorption characteristics of TNT are then introduced citing recent patents.