Preparation and Photonic Properties of CNT/TiO2 Composites Derived from MWCNT and Organic Titanium Compounds

In this study, CNT/TiO2 composites derived from various titanium alkoxides and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized and characterized. Surface areas and pore volumes of the CNT/TiO2 samples showed catastrophic decrease due to deposition of titanium compounds. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicated that the MWCNTs were homogenously decorated and well-dispersed onto/into the composites without apparent agglomeration of TiO2 particles. In the X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, peaks of anatase and rutile phase were observed. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) spectra revealed the presence of major elements such as C and O with strong Ti peaks. According to the photocatalytic results, MB removal by a treatment with CNT/TiO2 composites seems to have an excellent removal effect as order of CTIP, CTNB and CTPP composites due to a photolysis of the supported TiO2, the radical reaction and the adsorptivity and absorptivity of the MWCNTs.