1Faculty of Science and the Environment and Hull Environment Research Institute , University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom.

2Department of Chemistry, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, United Kingdom HU6 7RX

Abstract.

Multifunctional catalysis and novel catalyst materials and composites are needed to achieve safer chemical processing, greener chemistry and future sustainability. One of the important properties required in these applications is the nanostructure of the composite materials. We report here the synthesis and characterization of binary oxide TiO2 – RuO2 – SiO2 nanoparticles of defined particle characteristics and enhanced functionality. High temperature hydrogen reduction reactions enables the synthesis of binary metal oxide composite nanostructures based on titanium, ruthenium and silicon precursor materials. Surface characterization using XRD, SEM and Raman Spectroscopy was supplemented by BET measurements using Micromeritics analysis. Results indicate that the incorporation of silicon ions into the titania precursor materials resulted in increased surface area and enhanced catalytic activity. Charge transfer across the interface of the composite materials occurs when these materials are used as catalysts in oxidation reactions. This study also examined the growth morphology, thermal stability and geometric structure and how these affect the reactivity of these materials. The surfaces of these materials were also modified using a surface modifier and long chain surfactants and used for the decomposition of an industrial water pollutant, Methyl Orange. Results indicate that compared to commercially available materials, the surface modified composite materials were 15-20% more efficient as catalysts in these reactions.