Porous silica matrix as an efficient strategy to boosted photocatalytic performance of titania/carbon composite

Semiconductor based photocatalysis is considered as a promising route for remediation of polluted water. However, there is still intensive research to overcome high recombination rate of electrons and holes, and low reaction rate, limiting large-scale applications. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on the fabrication of the optimal photocatalysts which could be practically utilized. In this contribution, we propose a composite composed of ultrasmall TiO2 nanoparticles embedded in silica/carbon matrix. This molecular hybrid was fabricated via anchoring a (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane on a surface of TiO2 and then the composite was encapsulated in a carbon sphere-like structure formed with biocompatible glucose as carbon precursor. As a result, such a system exhibited impressive photocatalytic activity in the degradation of methylene blue as a model hazardous organic dye. Among examined catalysts, the sample calcinated at 500 C showed the highest photocatalytic efficiency (similar to 100% photodegradation under UV light after 120 min and similar to 11.0-fold higher reaction rate constant in comparison to pristine TiO2) and the most enhanced photocurrent response upon irradiation with light 388 nm (similar to 0.74 mu A, which is 1.37-fold more compared with TiO2). Therefore, we provide new insights into the fabrication of carbon-based inorganic composite, which have great potential in water treatment.

Automated summary

Semiconductor based photocatalysis is a promising method for water remediation, but high recombination rate and low reaction rate hinder its large-scale application. This study presents a composite material composed of ultrasmall TiO2 nanoparticles embedded in silica/carbon matrix, which demonstrates impressive photocatalytic activity and potential for water treatment.