Removal of azo dyes using a novel nanostructure composite film derived by nanopowder TiOz and sol-gel Titania

Removal azo dyes using a novel nanostructure composite titania film photocatalysts was evaluated. It was fabricated by sol-gel technique, using precalcined nanopowder TiOl as filler mixed with a sol, spin coating and heat treatment. The structural properties of these films were haracterized using SEM, XRD and TGA. Composite films heat treated at approximately 500°C have the greatest hardness values. For the composite thick film, the minimum load which caused the complete coating removal was 200 g/mm2, an indication of a strong bond to the substrate. Photocatalytic activities of the composite film were evaluated through the degradation of a model pollutant, the textile dye, Light Yellow X6G (C.I. Reactive Yellow 2) and were compared with the activity of (i) a similar composite film without MC, and (ii) a TiO, nanopowder. The good mechanical integrity make this composite film an interesting candidate for practical catalytic applications.

Removal of azo dyes using a novel nanostructure composite film derived by nanopowder TiOz and sol-gel Titania Keywords:

Ti02 , Azo dye , Nanostructure , Photodegradation , Sol-gel process