Synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic analysis of CNT/TiO2 composites derived from MWCNTs and titanium sources

CNT/TiO2 composites were prepared using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a starting material, and titanium(IV) isopropoxide, titanium(IV) propoxide and titanium(IV) n-butoxide as titanium sources and benzene as a solvent. The composites were characterized by N2 adsorption, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The photoactivity of the prepared materials was evaluated by the conversion of methylene blue (MB, C16H18N3S·Cl·3H2O) in aqueous solution under UV irradiation. It can be found that the MB removal effect of the CNT/TiO2 composites is not only due to the adsorption of MWCNTs and the photocatalytic degradation of TiO2 but also to electron transfer between MWCNTs and TiO2.