Characterization of CNT/TiO<sub>2</sub> Electrode Prepared Through Impregnation with
TNB and Their Photoelectrocatalytic Properties

Zhang, Feng-Jun; Chen, Ming-Liang; Oh, Won-Chun

doi:2009.14.1.32

Environmental Engineering Research 2009;14(1): 32-40. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4491/eer.2009.14.1.032

Characterization of CNT/TiO₂ Electrode Prepared Through Impregnation with TNB and Their Photoelectrocatalytic Properties

Feng-Jun Zhang^1,2, Ming-Liang Chen¹, and Won-Chun Oh¹^†

¹Department of Advanced Materials & Science Engineering, Hanseo University, Chungnam 356-706, Korea
²Anhui Key Laboratory of Advanced Building Materials, Anhui University of Architecture, Anhui Hefei 230022 P. R. China

Corresponding Author: Won-Chun Oh ,Tel: +82-41-660-1337, Fax: +82-41-688-3352, Email: wc_oh@hanseo.ac.kr

Received: September 13, 2008; Accepted: March 14, 2009.

ABSTRACT

In this study, we have prepared three kinds of carbon nanometer tube (CNT)/TiO₂ electrodes through impregnation with different concentration titanium n-butoxide (TNB) solution. The prepared electrodes were characterized with surface properties, structural crystallinity, elemental identification and photoelectrocatalytic activity. The N₂ adsorption data showed that the composites had decreased surface area compared with the pristine CNT. This indicated the blocking of micropores on the surface of CNT, which was further supported by observation via SEM. XRD results showed patterns for the composites and a typical single and clear anatase crystal structure. The main elements such as C, O and Ti were existed for all samples from the EDX data. The catalytic efficiency of the developed electrode was evaluated by the photoelectrodegradation of methylene blue (MB). The positive potential applied in photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) oxidation was studied. It was found that photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) decomposition of MB solution could be attributed to combination effects between TiO₂ photocatalytic and CNT electro-assisted. Through the comparison between photocatalytic (PC) oxidation and photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) oxidation, it was found that the PEC oxidation efficiency for MB is higher than that of PC oxidation.

Keywords: CNT/TiO₂ electrode | Impregnation | Photoelectrocatalysis | XRD | SEM | EDX