Preparation, Characterisation and Photocatalytic Applications of TiO2-MWCNTs Composite

  • Kirti D. Shitole University of Pune, Pune
  • Roshan K. Nainani University of Pune, Pune
  • Pragati Thakur University of Pune, Pune
Keywords: MWCNTs, TiO2, methyl orange, photocatalysis

Abstract

The nanocomposite of TiO2-MWCNTs has been synthesised by simple hydrothermal route showing significant enhancement in the photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methyl orange dye (MO). Several characterisations employed were X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy.XRD pattern shows the formation of anatase phase in prepared TiO2 which was retained in TiO2-MWCNTs composite as well. The Raman spectrum of prepared TiO2-MWCNT shows the interface integration of TiO2 and MWCNTs which is further supported by TEM data. Complete decolorisation and degradation of dye using TiO2-MWCNTs nanocomposite has been observed only in 45 minutes of UV irradiation. 65 per cent reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) value of treated dye shows substantial mineralisation of dye by composite catalyst. Dye degradation reactions were found to follow first order kinetics.

Defence Science Journal, 2013, 63(4), pp.435-441, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.63.4870

Author Biographies

Kirti D. Shitole, University of Pune, Pune
Ms Kirti D. Shitole received her MSc in Analytical Chemistry in 2009 from Department of Chemistry, Pune University, India and currently pursuing her MPhil in Material Chemistry from the same University. Her research work involves synthesis, characterisation and photocatalytic applications of nanocomposites of metal oxides.
Roshan K. Nainani, University of Pune, Pune
Mr Roshan K. Nainani has done MSc (Physical Chemistry) from Mumbai University and MPhil in Physical Chemistry from Department of Chemistry, Pune University, India. Presently, he is pursuing PhD in Physical Chemistry at Department of Chemistry, Pune University. His research interests are synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles and their nanocomposite with graphene oxide and zeolites for applications in photocatalytic degradation of hazardous pollutants, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution etc.
Pragati Thakur, University of Pune, Pune
Dr Pragati Thakur received her PhD from Laxminarayan Institute of Technology, Nagpur University in 2003. After that, she joined as a Lecturer in Physical Chemistry at Department of Chemistry, Pune University, Pune. Presently, she is working as an Associate Professor of Physical Chemistry in Pune University. Her areas of research include: Synthesis of semiconductor nanoparticles and their composites with carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide etc. for applications in energy and environment, heterogeneous photocatalysis, photocatalytic water splitting, industrial wastewater treatment, solar cells etc.
Published
2013-07-01
How to Cite
Shitole, K., Nainani, R., & Thakur, P. (2013). Preparation, Characterisation and Photocatalytic Applications of TiO2-MWCNTs Composite. Defence Science Journal, 63(4), 435-441. https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.63.4870
Section
Materials Science & Metallurgy