Comparison of the photocatalytic performance of TiO₂/AC and TiO₂/CNT nanocomposites for methyl orange photodegradation

To enhance the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of TiO₂ on methyl orange (MO) removal, TiO₂/AC (activated carbon) and TiO₂/CNT (carbon nanotube) composites were synthesized. The prepared catalysts were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The photocatalytic performance of the obtained composites were investigated by the degradation of MO under UV irradiation (254 nm, 365 nm). The results revealed that the prepared nanocomposite showed higher MO degradation efficiency than pure nano-TiO₂. Additionally, batch experiments of influencing factors, including H₂O₂ dosage, metal dopants, inorganic anions, chloride ion concentration and ultraviolet wavelength on the MO removal efficiency were also conducted. The results demonstrated that metal dopant and the presence of H₂O₂ significantly enhanced MO removal efficiency.