Synthesis and Characterization of TiO2 – Ag-Cellulose Nanocomposite and evaluation of photo catalytic degradation efficiency for Congo Red

Abstract

Photocatalytic degradation of toxic organic contaminants in aquatic environments is a cost-effective, efficient, and long-term solution for environmental restoration. The capacity to fine-tune the structures and compositions of photocatalysts is vital for optimizing photocatalytic decontamination processes, as is a deep understanding of the mechanisms that govern photocatalytic interfacial molecular changes. We created a ternary TiO2/Ag/cellulose nanocomposite particle by hydrothermal process that acts as a photocatalyst for the photodegradation of congo red CR dye into mineralized small moleculesThe morphology, size and crystalline structure of the TiO2 – Ag – Cellulose nanocomposite were investigated by scaning electron microscopy SEM, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction XRD respectively. Surface functional groups were analyzed using FTIR analysis. Specific surface area of the composite was characterized by BET-BJH analysis and the elemental composition of the composite was study using EDX analysis. Interestingly, the prepared TiO2 – Ag – Cellulose nanocomposites showed high catalytic degradation activity for CR dye. The photocatalytic degradation of the azo dye was monitored spectrophotometrically, a high degradation efficiency 81,76 % under visible radiation were obtained for composite after 120 min of reaction compared to 30% for pure TiO2.