A TiO2/CNT nanohybrid photocatalyst is synthesized via sol-gel route, with titanium (IV) isopropoxide and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as the starting materials. The microstructures and phase constitution of the nanohybrid TiO2/CNT (0.005wt%) samples after calcination at 450oC, 550oC and 650oC in air are compared with those of pure TiO2 using field-emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of the nanohybrid is compared with that of pure TiO2 with regard to the degradation of methyl orange under visible light irradiation. The TiO2/CNT composite exhibits a fast grain growth and phase transformation during calcination. The nanocomposite shows enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation in comparison to pure TiO2 owing to not only better adsorption capability of CNT but also effective electron transfer between TiO2 and CNTs. However, the high calcination temperature of 650oC, regardless of addition of CNT, causes a decrease in photocatalytic activity because of grain growth and phase transformation to rutile. These results such as fast phase transformation to rutile and effective electron transfer are related to carbon doping into TiO2.

• 여인철(인천대학교 기계공학과) | In-Chul Yeo
• 강인철((재)인천경제산업정보테크노파크 스포츠융합센터) | In-Cheol Kang Corresponding Author