Optimisation of the Photonic Efficiency of TiO(2) Decorated on MWCNTs for Methylene Blue Photodegradation

MWCNTs/TiO(2) nanocomposite was prepared by oxidising MWCNT in H(2)SO(4)/HNO(3) then decorating it with TiO(2)-p25 nanopowder. The composites were characterised using XRD, TEM, FT-IR PL and UV−vis spectroscopy. The TEM images have shown TiO(2) nanoparticles immobilised onto the sidewalls of the MWCNTs. The UV-vis spectrum confirms that the nanocomposites can significantly absorb more light in the visible regions compared with the commercial TiO(2) (P25). The catalytic activity of these nanocomposites was determined by photooxidation of MB aqueous solution in the presence of visible light. The MWCNTs/TiO(2) (1:3) mass ratio showed maximum degradation efficiency. However, its activity was more favourable in alkaline and a neutral pH than an acidic medium.