Synthesis and Characterization of TiO2 Nanotubes (TiO2-NTs) Decorated with Platine Nanoparticles (Pt-NPs): Photocatalytic Performance for Simultaneous Removal of Microorganisms and Volatile Organic Compounds
Lotfi Khezami, Imen Lounissi, Anouar Hajjaji, Ahlem Guesmi, Aymen Amine Assadi, B. Bessaı̈s
Abstract
This work reports on the effect of TiO2 nanotubes (TiO2-NTs), decorated wih platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NPs), on the removal of bacteria and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The Pt-NPs were loaded onto the TiO2-NTs using the electrodeposition method at four decoration times (100, 200, 300, and 600 s). The realized Pt-NPs/TiO2-NTs nanocomposites were used for the degradation of cyclohexane, a highly toxic and carcinogenic VOC pollutant in the chemical industry. The achieved Pt-NPs/TiO2-NTs nanocomposites were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis), and scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. To understand the photocatalytic and antibacterial behavior of the Pt-NPs/TiO2-NTs, simultaneous treatment of Escherichia coli and cyclohexane was conducted while varying the catalyst time decoration. We noticed a complete bacterial inactivation rate with 90% VOC removal within 60 min of visible light irradiation. Moreover, the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model correlated well with the experimental results of the photocatalytic treatment of indoor air.