Photocatalytic Activity of Fe and TiO2 Embedded in a Carbon Matrix

Abstract

Fe and TiO₂ embedded in a carbon matrix composites have been successfully obtained by introduction of a residue or external carbon precursor. Fe and TiO₂ embedded in a carbon cluster as a residue carbon precursor was prepared by heat treatment of C₁₀H₁₀Fe and C₁₆H₃₆O₄Ti mixed at 873 K under oxygen atmosphere. Fe and TiO₂ embedded in multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites were prepared using Fe(NO₃)₃, C₁₆H₃₆O₄Ti and MWCNT as an external carbon precursor and finally heating at 873 K. The Fe/TiO₂/carbon composites obtained were characterized from BET, SEM, TEM, XRD and EDX analysis. The methylene blue (MB) solution was used to examine the photocatalytic activity of Fe/TiO₂/C and Fe/TiO₂/MWCNT composites. The photocatalytic activity of Fe/TiO₂/C and Fe/TiO₂/MWCNT composites was found to be higher than that of the pure TiO₂ and Fe/TiO₂ under UV and visible light irradiation. In comparison of photocatalytic activity of Fe/TiO₂/C and Fe/TiO₂/MWCNT composites, the photocatalytic activity of Fe/TiO₂/MWCNT composites was slightly higher than that of Fe/TiO₂/C due to strong electronic properties of MWCNT. The photocatalytic activity of Fe/TiO₂/C and Fe/TiO₂/MWCNT composites was more progressed fast by powerful H₂O₂ assisting photo-Fenton reaction due to oxidation of Fe²⁺-Fe³⁺ under UV irradiation.