We investigated the efficacy with which TiO2/single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) composites reduce electron-hole recombination resulting in enhancement of �OH generation. Nano-assemblies comprising different proportions of TiO2 and SWCNTs were synthesized by a low temperature hydration-dehydration process and characterized by TEM, XPS, and UV-vis. The photoreactivity of the composites with respect to nitrobenzene (NB) oxidation and MS2 bacteriophage inactivation with optimum composition was found higher than that of TiO2. A mechanism is proposed whereby SWCNTs capture TiO2 relayed electrons to reduce electron-hole recombination. Further investigation was conducted using �OH scavengers, methanol and tert-buthanol, an activator promoting bulk-phase �OH generation, Fe2+, and a hole scavenger, sodium oxalate. Results showed that NB was degraded by both surface-bound and bulk-phase �OH. Less peroxide but more �OH was generated from the TiO2/SWCNT composites than TiO2, suggesting electron capture by SWCNTS, consistent with the increased generation and persistence of surface holes in the TiO2/SWCNT composites.

Role of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) on enhancing photocatalytic destruction of pollutants by TiO<sub>2</sub>/SWCNT composites

243rd National Meeting (2012)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.

Role of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) on enhancing photocatalytic destruction of pollutants by TiO2/SWCNT composites

Role of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) on enhancing photocatalytic destruction of pollutants by TiO₂/SWCNT composites