New method for preparation Mn2O3–TiO2 nanocomposites and study of their photocatalytic properties

Mn2O3–TiO2 nanocomposites is synthesized by the novel sol–gel method by using of manganese (II) chloride dihydrate and tetra-n-butyl titanate (TNBT). To control particle sizes of the nanocomposites, different acids such as oxalic acid, aspartic acid, and salicylic acid are applied. Acids played role as chelate agent to produce Mn2O3–TiO2 nanocomposites. The formation of pure crystallized Mn2O3–TiO2 nanocomposites occurred when the precursor was heat-treated at 700 °C in air for 150 min. The prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis), and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). Alternating gradient force magnetometer illustrated paramagnetic behaviour of Mn2O3–TiO2 nanocomposites. The photocatalytic behaviour of Mn2O3–TiO2 nanocomposites was evaluated using the degradation of methyl orange under ultraviolet light irradiation.