Abstract
This work describes the production of carbon xerogel/TiO2 nanocomposites by sol-gel polymerization of resorcinol-formaldehyde in the presence of K2TiF6 inorganic titanium salt as TiO2 precursor. The effects of different starting C/Ti molar ratios in the morphology, surface property, and photocatalytic activity on the decomposition of acetaminophen (APP) were investigated. The materials were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and textural properties. The composites presented heterogeneous structure, and presence of two phases for the introduction of TiO2. A region was formed by amorphous carbon and carbon spheres, where Ti is detected only immersed in the amorphous carbon particles, in the anatase phase. CXTi-4.5 (adopted nomenclature CXTi-n, where n is the number of mmol of titanium salt inserted) composite presented the highest efficiency in the removal of the APP in the aqueous medium, as well as acceptable reusability properties after the washing step.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
