Novel Silanized Graphene Oxide/TiO<sub>2</sub> Multifunctional Nanocomposite Photocatalysts: Simultaneous Removal of Cd<sup>2+</sup> and Photodegradation of Phenols under Visible Light Irradiation
Pan Xiong, Siming Xu, Tongtong Yang, Keju Jing
Abstract
(ERGT) nanocomposites were synthesized for the removal of Cd(II) and photodegradation of phenol from wastewater by surface-functionalized cross-linking heavy metal chelating agent sodium edetate (EDTA) and photocatalyst titanium dioxide. The structural properties of fabricated nanocomposites were characterized using SEM, TEM, XPS, FTIR, XRD, UV-vis, gas sorption, and Raman spectroscopy analyses. Moreover, the adsorption of Cd(II) and the degradation of phenol under different conditions were studied. The experimental results revealed that the optimal catalytic degradation and adsorption performance could be achieved at pH 5.5, and the maximum absorption ratio of cadmium ions and the degradation efficiency of phenol can reach 178.2 mg/g and 90%, respectively. The results suggested that ERGT is a potential material for the removal of threatening pollutants from wastewater.