Synthesis of carbon nanotube/titanate nanotube composites with photocatalytic activity for H₂S oxidation

ABSTRACT

Composites of carbon nanotubes – titanate nanotubes (MWNTs/ TNTs) – were successfully synthesized by the hydrothermal reaction process. The morphology of the MWNTs/TNTs composites was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to characterize the molecular interactions between TNTs and MWNTs in the composites. The X-ray diffraction of TNTs and MWNTs/TNTs composites exhibited the existence of titanate phase (100), (102), (020) and (422). The charge recombination of MWNTs/TNTs composites was examined by photoluminescence spectrum. The photocatalytic activity of TNTs and MWNTs/TNTs composites was evaluated on the basis of the model oxidation reaction of H₂S.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Composite materials
• nanostructures
• carbon nanotubes
• titanate nanotubes
• photoluminescence spectroscopy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to thank the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development – NAFOSTED that funded the basic research oriented application project, code [DT.NCCBDHUD.2012-G/11] and this article is part of the research results.