Preparation and Photocatalytic Performance of MWCNTs/TiO2Nanocomposites for Degradation of Aqueous Substrate

Abstract

In this study, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/TiO2nanocomposites were obtained by constant volumetric wet impregnation processes. The prepared catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The effect of reaction conditions on photocatalytic performance of the catalysts was investigated by the degradation of methyl orange (MO) under UV irradiation, in a new type of reactor with unique structure. The results showed that the prepared nanocomposite exhibited higher MO degradation efficiency than that of pure nano-TiO2. Besides, in batch experiments of influencing factors, including ionic strength, oxidant amount, and response times, the presence of H2O2would contribute to increasing the MO degradation rate of MWCNTs/TiO2samples. Ionic concentration and long reaction times are adverse to the MO degradation in the processes.