Preparation of micro-nano-composites of TiO sub(2)/carbon nanostructures, C-CNT macroscopic shaping and their applications

• Published in: Journal of experimental nanoscience 2014-01, Vol.9 (7), p.694-706
• Main Authors: Vu, Thu Ha Thi, Au, Hang Thi, Nguyen, Dinh Lam, Nguyen, Thu Trang Thi, Phan, The Anh, Hoang, Huynh Anh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon; Computer programs; Contact angle; Electronics; Nanostructure; Polystyrene resins; Scanning electron microscopy; Titanium dioxide
• ISSN: 1745-8080; 1745-8099
• DOI: 10.1080/17458080.2012.696218

Micro-nano-composites of TiO sub(2)/carbon were synthesised using a collage of carbon nanostructures (carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs)) on a TiO sub(2) surface through a TiO sub(2) sol-gel layer. C-CNT macroscopic shaping (C-CNT composites) were produced using CNTs as a starting material and a phenol-formaldehyde (PF) or polystyrene (PS) polymer as an adhesive. The morphologies of the composites were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The collage of carbon nanostructures on the surface of TiO sub(2) in the composite was observed by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM). The superhydrophobicity of the C-CNT macroscopic shapes was demonstrated by contact angle measurements using AutoCAD software. The photoactivity of the composites was examined by the conversion of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution under irradiation from high-pressure mercury lamp. Higher photoactivity was observed using the TiO sub(2)/carbon nanostructure composites than with TiO sub(2) alone.