Characterization and photonic properties for the Pt-fullerene/TiO2 composites derived from titanium (IV) n-butoxide and C60

In this study, the structural variations, surface states, and mass transformations of fullerene [C60] derivatives were investigated through the preparation of Pt-decorated oxidized fullerene and a Pt-fullerene/TiO2 composite and comparison to an oxidized fullerene [C60O]. These derivatives were synthesized with an improved oxidation method using m-chloroperbenzoic acid (MCPBA). Weak and strong peaks of metallic platinum and titanium dioxide, along with weak pristine fullerene [C60] peaks, were observed in the XRD patterns for the Pt-fullerene and Pt-fullerene/TiO2 composite. SEM micrographs for the metallic Pt-fullerene and Pt-fullerene/TiO2 composite indicated that practically all the platinum and titanium dioxide that were introduced were located on the carbon cages and consequently, were dispersed into very small crystallites with growth of platinum metals and titanium dioxide. The EDX spectra of Pt-fullerene and Pt-fullerene/TiO2 composite showed the presence of C, O, and Pt, with strong Ti peaks. From the MALDI-TOF mass spectra, the differences in the spectra for the three kinds of fullerene derivatives were due to oxidation including chemical bonding and interposing of metallic platinum and titanium dioxide in the fullerene [C60] molecules. And, absorption property demonstrated by UV–vis diffuse reflectance method. From the photocatalytic results, the excellent activity of the Pt-fullerene/TiO2 composites for organic dye and UV irradiation time could be attributed to the synergetic effects between photocatalysis of the supported TiO2 and absorptivity of the platinum and fullerene.