Fluffy-ball-shaped carbon nanotube–TiO2 nanorod nanocomposites for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

Abstract

One dimensional TiO₂ nanomaterials have attracted tremendous attention due to their excellent photocatalytic properties. However, the synthesis of spherical-shaped carbon nanotubes (CNTs)–TiO₂ nanorod composites for photocatalytic degradation of water pollutants has not been reported. In the present study we fabricated fluffy-ball-shaped multiwalled CNT–TiO₂ nanorod composites via a facile hydrothermal approach. By using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), it is found that morphologies of the nanocomposites could be controlled by changing the reaction duration, CNT amount and Ti source concentration. TEM images and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) results show the excellent crystalline structure and the rutile phase of the TiO₂ nanorods in the nanocomposites. Based on the results, a possible mechanism for the growth of the nanocomposites was proposed. Great potentials of the composited microspheres in water treatment were demonstrated through the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue, in which a degradation efficiency as high as 93% could be reached. This study provides not only a new approach to developing CNT–TiO₂ nanorod composites, but also a very promising photocatalyst for potential applications in waste water treatment.