Modification and characterization of C-doped TiO_2 photocatalysts for photodegradation of reactive red (RR4)

摘要

Carbon doped TiO2 (C-doped TiO2) photocatalyst was prepared by using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as carbon precursor under calcination process using muffle furnace. The modified C-doped was immobilized onto a glass plate by using brush and DSAT method with the optimum C-doped TiO2 was measured by the highest photoactivity detected from photodegradation of reactive red 4 (RR4) dye. The optimum condition of C-doped TiO2 denoted as C2 consist of 0.1 g of PEG in 6.5 g TiO2 was found where the photodegradation rate of C2 was ca 0.1545 min-1 and it is 2.5 times faster as compared with unmodified TiO2. The presence of C-C bond represented as carbon element was detected in all C-doped TiO2 samples analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra at 933 nm. No bandgap energy of C-doped TiO2 samples changes was recorded by UV-vis DRS spectroscopy, all C-doped TiO2 except C1 have shown higher photocatalyic activity as compared with unmodified TiO2 due to the presence of carbon in which acts as electron scavenger. No significant changes in term of surface morphology between C-doped TiO2 and unmodified TiO2 sample observed by SEM images. The C-doped TiO2 immobilized sample produces a fine surface with a smooth coating, excellent photodegradation of RR4 dye and can be used in wide range solar applications.