Synthesis of a hybrid assembly composed of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and thin multi-walled carbon nanotubes using “click chemistry”

A hybrid assembly composed of thin multi-walled carbon nanotubes (t-MWCNT) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been prepared by using “click” chemistry for photocatalytic applications. TiO2-decorated t-MWCNT hybrids with anatase phase TiO2 were obtained from the reaction of an azide moiety-containing TiO2 with alkyne-functionalized t-MWCNTs. The hybrids were systematically characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. The nanohybrid has been proved to be highly active and robust for photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange. The click coupling approach is a simple and convenient route to efficiently assemble TiO2 on the surface of carbon nanotubes, and can be extended to obtain many other nanoparticle hybrids based on carbon nanotubes.

Graphical abstractWe have utilized the click chemistry to assemble the thin multi-walled carbon nanotubes and titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The prepared nanohybrid is highly active and robust for photocatalytic applications.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (109 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Click coupling approach was used to assemble the TiO2 nanoparticle and t-MWCNT. ► Various characterization techniques were applied to investigate the nanohybrid. ► Nanohybrid was found to be highly active for photocatalytic degradation of organic dye.