Fabrication and performances of MWCNT/TiO2 composites derived from MWCNTs and titanium (IV) alkoxide precursors

Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/TiO2 composites were synthesized by sol-gel technique using titanium (IV) n-butoxide (TNB), titanium (IV) isopropoxide (TIP) and titanium (IV) propoxide (TPP) as different titanium alkoxide precursors. The as-prepared composites were comprehensively characterized by BET surface area, SEM, XRD, EDX and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. The samples were evaluated for their photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV irradiation. The results indicated that the sample MPB had best excellent photocatalytic activity among the three kinds of samples. Furthermore, we also used piggery waste to determine the photocatalytic activity for the MWCNT/ TiO2 composites by using a chemical oxygen demand (COD) method. It seemed all of the samples have an excellent removal effect of COD. From the results of the bactericidal test, MWCNT/TiO 2 composites with sunlight had a greater effect on E. coli than any other experimental conditions. © Indian Academy of Sciences.