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.