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Visible light assisted photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes on TiO2–CNT nanocomposites

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Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) uniformly decorated with nano-anatase TiO2 particles corresponding to different TiO2–CNT weight ratios (up to 90 % TiO2:10 % CNT) were prepared by employing sol–gel process. The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, IR, Raman, Scanning electron microscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, Photoluminescence, BET surface area and diffuse reflectance measurements. The composites show visible light assisted photocatalytic property, for example, the 90 % TiO2–10 % CNT composite completely degrades Indigo Carmine dye within 1 h of exposure to visible light. Similarly, Orange G and Congo Red dyes were decomposed within 2 h under visible light irradiation. The excellent visible light photocatalytic property of the composite is attributed to the synergetic effect of photoexcitation and photosensitization. This is due to the special nanoarchitecture wherein TiO2 nanoparticles are anchored to CNT surface that provides high specific interfacial area for photon absorption and electron trapping.

Graphical abstract

Visible light assisted degradation profile of Indigo Carmine in the presence of TiO2–CNT nanocomposite and TEM image of the TiO2–CNT nanocomposite

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India for supporting this work under the TAPSUN programme. Ms. K. Hemalatha thanks CSIR, for granting Senior Research Fellowship. Mr. Pedda Masthaniah Ette thanks CSIR for providing financial support under TAPSUN Project. The authors also thank Dr. N. Lakshminarasimhan, for his help in PL and BET measurements. N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm were collected using the facility at CSIR-Innovation Complex, Chennai.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CSIR−Network Institutes of Solar Energy (CSIR−NISE), CSIR Central Electrochemical Research Institute-Chennai Unit, CSIR-Madras Complex, Taramani, Chennai, 600 113, India

    K. Hemalatha, Pedda Masthanaiah Ette & K. Ramesha

  2. Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560 012, India

    Giridhar Madras

Authors
  1. K. Hemalatha
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  2. Pedda Masthanaiah Ette
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  3. Giridhar Madras
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  4. K. Ramesha
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Correspondence to K. Ramesha.

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Hemalatha, K., Ette, P.M., Madras, G. et al. Visible light assisted photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes on TiO2–CNT nanocomposites. J Sol-Gel Sci Technol 73, 72–82 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-014-3496-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-014-3496-0

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