Synthesis and characterization of M-fullerene/TiO2 photocatalysts designed for degradation azo dye

Metal-fullerene/TiO2 composites were prepared using a sol–gel method, and their photocatalytic activity was evaluated by degradation of methylene blue (MB) solutions under UV light. The surface area, surface structure, crystal phase and elemental identification of these composites were characterized by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The degradation effect of MB was determined using UV/Vis spectrophotometry. Photocatalytic activity was increased because of the increase in photo-absorption effect by fullerene, and the cooperative effect of the metal introduced as a dopant.