Photocatalytic decomposition of VOCs by AC-TiO2 and EG-TiO2 nanocomposites

In this study, TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs)-based catalysts were prepared for the photocatalytic removal of toluene as a model VOC from air under UV light. Expanded graphite (EG) and activated carbon (AC) as two sustainable supports were employed for immobilization of TiO2 NPs by sol-gel technique. In this approach, substrates were added to TiO2 sol-gel and heated up to 60 degrees C followed by calcination process at 400 degrees C to afford, EG/TiO2 and AC/TiO2. The studies show that much better results ensued for AC-TiO2 because of higher surface area, good nanoparticle distribution, and lower pore width. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray, as well as N-2 adsorption/desorption. [GRAPHICS] .