Carbon nanotube-TiO2 thin films for photocatalytic applications

Films made of different types of TiO2 powders and carbon nanotube-TiO2 composites were prepared on a glass substrate by using the doctor blade technique. The electron microscope thin films ranged from 3.75 to 5.00 mu m in thickness. Depending on the nature of the TiO2, the composite films containing different amounts of carbon nanotubes evidenced different spectroscopic and morphological properties. The surface roughness was analyzed by atomic force microscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the films was tested in the degradation of methylene blue by near-UV to visible irradiation. The introduction of carbon nanotubes in the TiO2 matrix usually increased the rate of photocatalytic degradation. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.