Abstract
The synthesis of TiO2 nanohybrids fabricated using amorphous carbon nanotubes (aCNTs) and amorphous nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes (aNCNTs) via a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method is reported. The photocatalytic removal of Reactive Red 120 (RR 120) and organics from industrial textile wastewater using these nanohybrids is discussed. The synthesis process was shown to promote the removal of nano graphitic flakes from the outer walls of the aNCNTs and aCNTs and subsequent incorporation of these carbonaceous materials into TiO2 nanocrystals as such enabling a stronger interaction between the TiO2 and the carbonaceous material. This enabled the production of a surface plasmon resonance on the TiO2 and NTiO2 nanocrystals. The carbon residue was confirmed to be aCNTs and aNCNTs by TGA and DTA analyses. XPS analysis for the TiO2–aNCNT nanohybrids confirmed the C and N doping of TiO2 due to the amorphous residues from the aNCNTs. In addition, XPS and FTIR spectroscopic analysis confirmed the presence of surface oxygen-based groups. TEM micrograph analysis showed that aCNTs and aNCNTs promote the formation of monodispersed and small TiO2 particles; all below 7.4 nm. The NTiO2–aNCNT nanohybrids have the lowest energy band gap at 2.97 eV and the lowest PL intensity. The TiO2–aNCNT nanohybrids had superior adsorptive (98.2%) and photocatalytic (99%) removal for 20 ppm RR 120 dye solution at k1app 3.44 × 10−2 min−1. Lastly, all the nanohybrids demonstrate the formation of visible-light absorbing intermediates from VAT-dyed textile wastewater. The work demonstrates the possibility of the use of these nanohybrids to derive new products through photocatalytic nanohybrids.
Highlights
Carbonaceous materials have received much attention due to their potential in enhancing the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 and its doped forms
C2H2 and N2 gases supplied by Afrox South Africa, a tube furnace with an effective heating length of 80 cm equipped with a thermostat and a 1 m quartz tube were employed for the synthesis of amorphous carbon nanotubes (aCNTs) and amorphous nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes (aNCNTs)
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis revealed that the aCNTs and aNCNTs showed free and intermolecular bonded alcohol –OH group with peak center at 3450 cmÀ1
Summary
Carbonaceous materials have received much attention due to their potential in enhancing the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 and its doped forms. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nano bers (CNFs) and graphene are most widely used as support materials for TiO2 since they enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 and its doped forms in several ways.[1] First, their electron-rich surface enhances the absorption of light through photosensitization.[2] Second, the high electrical conductivity of these carbonaceous. The introduction of heteroatoms into the graphitic lattice induces strain on the walls due to unequal bond strengths and lengths between the –C–C– and the carbon–
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