Characterization and relative photonic efficiencies of a new Fe-ACF/TiO2 composite photocatalysts designed for organic dye decomposition

The effect of Fe treatment on the Fe-activated carbon fiber (ACF)/TiO2 composite catalysts was studied. Then the characterizations of Fe-ACF/TiO2 composite catalysts were determined by employing BET, SEM, XRD and EDX instruments to analyze the potential factors. The adsorption data showed that the composites had decreased surface compared with the pristine ACF. From the results, it was shown the blocking of the micropores on the surface of ACF by treatment of Fe compound and Ti source. SEM micrographs for the Fe-ACF/TiO2 composite catalysts indicated that practically all the ferric compounds and titanium dioxide introduced were located onto the ACF surfaces and consequently, there were dispersed into very small crystallites with growth of titanium dioxide. The XRD results showed patterns for the anatase and rutile typed titanium dioxide structure with a Fe mediated compound from the composites. The EDX results showed that the presence of C and O with Ti peaks on the Fe-ACF/TiO2 composites decreased with an increase Fe concentration incorporated. Finally, organic dye (MB) decomposition showed the synergetic effects of adsorption, photo-degradation and enhancement of photonic activity of Fe component.