A TiO2 Coated Carbon Aerogel Derived from Bamboo Pulp Fibers for Enhanced Visible Light Photo-Catalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue.

Jian Zhang,Qunhao Wang,Bingxue Huang,Canhui Lu,Chenghong Ao,Jiangqi Zhao,Wei Yuan,Tian Xia,Wei Zhang

doi:10.3390/nano11010239

Abstract

Carbon aerogels (CA) derived from bamboo cellulose fibers were coupled with TiO2 to form CA/TiO2 hybrids, which exhibited extraordinary performance on the photo-catalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB). The structure and morphology of CA/TiO2 were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectrum. The CA displayed a highly porous and interconnected three-dimensional framework structure, while introducing the catalytic active sites of TiO2 onto the aerogel scaffold could remarkably enhance its photo-catalytic activity. The adsorption and photo-catalytic degradation of MB by the CA/TiO2 hybrid were investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity of CA/TiO2 for MB was 18.5 mg/g, which outperformed many similar materials reported in the literature. In addition, compared with other photo-catalysts, the present CA/TiO2 demonstrated superior photo-catalytic performance. Almost 85% of MB in 50 mL solution with a MB concentration of 10 mg/L could be effectively degraded by 15 mg CA/TiO2 in 300 min.

Highlights

IntroductionThe vast application of dyes in the light industry, especially in textile, leather, paper, plastics, and so on, to obtain colorful products has become a recurring phenomenon
The vast application of dyes in the light industry, especially in textile, leather, paper, plastics, and so on, to obtain colorful products has become a recurring phenomenon.residue dyes in effluents raise huge environmental problems which threaten ecosystems, including those on which we as human beings rely
The Carbon aerogels (CA)/TiO2 was fabricated by a hydrothermal method using bamboo cellulose and

Summary

Introduction

The vast application of dyes in the light industry, especially in textile, leather, paper, plastics, and so on, to obtain colorful products has become a recurring phenomenon. Residue dyes in effluents raise huge environmental problems which threaten ecosystems, including those on which we as human beings rely. As one of the most frequently used dyes, the discharge of methylene blue (MB) is a major concern due to its adverse impacts on health [1]. Inhaling MB can cause accelerated or difficult breathing. The affected person may show some strong clinical responses such as burning sensations, mental confusion, vomiting, nausea, and methemoglobinemia [2,3,4]. The development of eco-friendly and more efficient strategies for the removal of MB in wastewater is of great significance for the aquatic environment

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