Photocatalytic properties of hybrid materials based on a multicharged polymer matrix with encored TiO2 and noble metal (Pt, Pd or Au) nanoparticles

In this study, we report a synthesis of new nanocomposites, wherein TiO2 is introduced into multicharged polymeric matrix and covered with noble metals (Pt, Pd or Au) for the photocatalytic application. A photocatalytic activity investigation was performed by studying the degradation of methylene blue. It revealed that all obtained nanocomposites demonstrate enhanced photocatalytic ability when compared to pure TiO2, under both UV (24 °C) and solar light (−2 °C). The morphology and catalytic properties of the composites depend on the noble metals. The kinetic speed value of photodegradation was found to increase in the following sequence: TiO2 < TiO2-NPst ≈ Pd-TiO2@NPSt < Pt-TiO2@NPSt ≈ Au-TiO2@NPSt.