Photocatalyst activity of TiO₂/SWCNT composite on floating cork for degradation of methylene blue by solar simulator

TiO₂/SWCNT nanocomposite has been successfully synthesized by the sol-gel method. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) functionalized with acid. TiO₂/SWCNT composite was coated on the cork with a dip-coating technique. The crystal structure, morphology, and physicochemical properties of the composites were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDX, SEM mapping, and UV-Vis spectra. FTIR data obtained functional groups of TiO₂ and carbon. XRD test shows the crystal structure and shape of the nanoparticle material. SEM test was found that TiO₂ was firmly attached to the sidewall of the SWCNT. The performance test of TiO₂/SWCNT composite was evaluated by monitoring the degradation rate of methylene blue (MB) under a solar simulator. There was a significant decrease in the concentration of methylene blue (MB) when TiO₂/SWCNT composite coated on the cork was added. After degradation for 2 hours, the results of the effectiveness of TiO₂/SWCNT composite are approximately 99%. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO₂/SWCNT nanocomposite in this experiment was influenced by the different compositions of TiO₂ and SWCNT, the method used, the success of coating on the cork and light from the solar simulator.