Photo-electronic behavior of Cu2O- and/or CeO2-loaded TiO2/carbon cluster nanocomposite materials

Nano-sized TiO2/carbon cluster composite materials have been successfully prepared for the first time by calcination of TiO(OCOCH3CHCOCH3)2/starch complexes in air. The surface of composite materials was modified with nano-sized Cu2O and CeO2 particles, followed by the subsequent modification of Pt particles. The composition of the synthesized composite materials was determined using inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy, elemental analysis and surface characterization by transmission electron microscopy. The reduction reaction of methylene blue with the calcined materials under the visible light irradiation has also been examined. The composite material reduced the methylene blue under the irradiation of visible light (λ > 460 nm). The metal oxide-loaded composite materials could also decompose an aqueous silver nitrate solution by visible light irradiation and give O2 and Ag.

Nano-sized TiO2/carbon clusters composite materials (Ic’s) have been successfully prepared for the first time by the calcination of TiO(OCOCH3CHCOCH3)2/starch complexes (I’s) in air. The visible light induced photocatalytic activity of nano-sized TiO2/carbon clusters composite materials was observed.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Nano-sized TiO2/carbon cluster composite materials have been synthesized.
► The surface of the composite was modified with Cu2O, CeO2 and Pt particles.
► The composite shows the photo-catalytic activity under visible light irradiation.