Photocatalytic activity of TiO2 supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes under simulated solar irradiation

TiO2 particles supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared using a sol-gel method to investigate their photocatalytic activity under simulated solar irradiation for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) in aqueous solution. The prepared composites were analyzed using XRD, SEM, EDS and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The results of this study indicated that there was little difference in the shape and structure of MWCNTs/TiO2 composite and pure TiO2 particles. The composite exhibited enhanced absorption properties in the visible light range compared to pure TiO2. The degradation of MO by MWCNTs/TiO2 composite photocatalysts was investigated under irradiation with simulated solar light. The results of this study indicated that MWCNTs played a significant role in improving photocatalytic performance. Different amounts of MWCNTs had different effects on photodegradation efficiency, and the most efficient MO photodegradation was observed for a 2% MWCNT/TiO2 mass ratio. Photocatalytic reaction kinetics were described using the Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) model. The photocatalyst was reused for eight cycles, and it retained over 95.2% photocatalytic degradation efficiency. Possible decomposition mechanisms were also discussed. The results of this study indicated that photocatalytic reactions with TiO2 particles supported on MWCNTs under simulated solar light irradiation are feasible and effective for degrading organic dye pollutants.