Photocatalytic activity of vanadium-doped titania–activated carbon composite film under visible light

A V-doped titania–activated carbon composite film was prepared by a modified sol–gel method under mild condition. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the titania was a pure anatase phase. From scanning electron microscopy and N2 adsorption–desorption measurements, we found that the composite film was porous since it formed a micro–nano structure. The photocatalytic activity of such film was evaluated through degradation of azo-dye Reactive Brilliant Red under visible light, and was compared to commercially available TiO2, pure titania and vanadium-doped titania films. Results showed that the photocatalytic activity was enhanced a lot. It was due to expansion of the absorption edge by vanadium doping, and the synergistic effect of activated carbon with titania. Furthermore, the hydrophilic property of the as-prepared composite film was superior to other samples.