Modification and characterization of C-doped TiO2 photocatalysts for photodegradation of reactive red (RR4).

Carbon doped TiO₂ (C-doped TiO₂) photocatalyst was prepared by using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as carbon precursor under calcination process using muffle furnace. The modified C-doped was immobilized onto a glass plate by using brush and DSAT method with the optimum C-doped TiO₂ was measured by the highest photoactivity detected from photodegradation of reactive red 4 (RR4) dye. The optimum condition of C-doped TiO₂ denoted as C2 consist of 0.1 g of PEG in 6.5 g TiO₂ was found where the photodegradation rate of C2 was ca 0.1545 min^-1 and it is 2.5 times faster as compared with unmodified TiO₂. The presence of C-C bond represented as carbon element was detected in all C-doped TiO₂ samples analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra at 933 nm. No bandgap energy of C-doped TiO₂ samples changes was recorded by UV-vis DRS spectroscopy, all C-doped TiO₂ except C1 have shown higher photocatalyic activity as compared with unmodified TiO₂ due to the presence of carbon in which acts as electron scavenger. No significant changes in term of surface morphology between C-doped TiO₂ and unmodified TiO₂ sample observed by SEM images. The C-doped TiO₂ immobilized sample produces a fine surface with a smooth coating, excellent photodegradation of RR4 dye and can be used in wide range solar applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]