TiO2-ITO and TiO2-ZnO nanocomposites: application on water treatment

One of the most promising ideas to enhance the photocatalytic efficiency of the TiO 2 is to couple this photocatalyst with other semiconductors. In this work, we report on the development of photo-catalytic properties of two types of composites based on TiO 2 – ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) and TiO 2 – ZnO deposited on conventional ceramic substrates. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The photo-catalytic test was carried out under UV light in order to reduce/oxidize a typical textile dye (Cibacron Yellow). The experiment was carried out in a bench scale reactor using a solution having a known initial dye concentration. After optimization, we found that both nanocomposites exhibit better photocatalytic activity compared to the standard photocatalyst P25 TiO 2 .