CNT-TiO2 nanocomposite thin films enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

Abstract

CNT-TiO2 nanocomposite thin films were deposited on quartz glass substrates using sol-gel spin coating and tested the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under the irradiation of the solar spectrum. The absence of any sharp peak in the XRD pattern confirmed the amorphous nature of the films. The bandgap, Eg, decreased from 3.94 to 3.70 eV as the concentration of CNT increased from 0 to 3 mg. The FTIR peak detected at 1040 cm−1 indicated the vibrations of the chemical bond Ti–O–C. The photocatalytic degradation of MB rose up to 83% (CNT@2 mg) owing to charge carrier separation between TiO2 and CNT.

Keywords

• CNT-TiO2 nanocomposite thin films
• Microstructural and optical properties
• Photocatalytic activities