Catalytic activity of metal (M = Fe-, Cr-) loaded titania nanotubes

The catalytic activity of M-loaded titania nanotubes (M = Fe- and Cr-), prepared by hydrothermal treatment, was studied in the liquid-phase photodegradation of methyl orange. The prepared catalysts were characterized by various techniques. The optimum loading amounts of Fe and Cr were found to be at 2%, and 15%, respectively. When compared to unloaded and metal-loaded TNTs, the pure TNTs resulted in the best photocatalytic activity, giving complete degradation after 7 h, while 15% Cr-loaded TNTs calcined at 500 °C possessed the best absorption, about 80%, in the dark.

► The liquid-phase photodegradation of methyl orange using Fe/Cr-doped TNTs was studied.
► 2% of Fe and 15% of Cr were found to be the best optimum dopant amounts.
► The pure TNTs provided the best photocatalytic activity, giving complete degradation after 7 h.