Visible light photocatalytic activity of MWCNT/TiO2 using the degradation of methylene blue

Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)-doped TiO₂ thin films were synthesized by the dip-coating method. The obtained products were characterized by SEM, EDX, XRD, and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The XRD patterns showed the presence of anatase phase. Absorption spectrum of MWCNT-doped TiO₂ revealed a red shift in the optical absorption edge due to carbon doping. The photocatalytic properties were investigated using methylene blue (MB) degradation under visible light (400-700 nm). MWCNT/TiO₂ thin films exhibited significantly higher photocatalytic activity as compared to undoped TiO₂ thin films due to reduction of the rate of electron-hole recombination by doping carbon. Photocatalytic activity studies with different light source (white light and blue light) indicated a significant<br />enhancement in photocatalytic removal under white light irradiation.