Degradation of methyl orange by composite photocatalysts nano-TiO2 immobilized on activated carbons of different porosities.

Composite photocatalysts TiO(2) immobilized on granular activated carbons with different porosities (TiO(2)/AC) were prepared by a novel approach, dip-hydrothermal method using peroxotitanate as precursor. The TiO(2)/AC composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and the nitrogen absorption. Their photocatalytic activity was evaluated by degradation of methyl orange (MO). The results showed that nano-TiO(2) particles of anatase type were well deposited on the activated carbon surface. The porosity of activated carbon had significant influence on the adsorption, the amount of TiO(2) deposited on the external surface of AC and the activity of composite photocatalysts. The composite TiO(2)/AC made from proper mesoporosity AC exhibited higher catalytic activity than the mixture of powdered TiO(2) with AC. Furthermore, the mechanism of synergistic effect of AC adsorption and TiO(2) photocatalysis was discussed.