Multiwalled carbon nanotube- (MWCNT-) TiO2nanocomposite was synthesized via hydrothermal process and characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetry analysis, and N2adsorption-desorption isotherms. Appropriate pretreatment on MWCNTs could generate oxygen-containing groups, which is beneficial for forming intimate contact between MWCNTs and TiO2and leads to a higher thermal stability of MWCNT-TiO2nanocomposite. Modification with MWCNTs can extend the visible-light absorption of TiO2. 5 wt% MWCNT-TiO2derived from hydrothermal treatment at 140°C exhibiting the highest hydrogen generation rate of 15.1 μmol·h−1under visible-light irradiation and a wide photoresponse range from 350 to 475 nm with moderate quantum efficiency (4.4% at 420 nm and 3.7% at 475 nm). The above experimental results indicate that the MWCNT-TiO2nanocomposite is a promising photocatalyst with good stability and visible-light-induced photoactivity.
Glaser coupling- and Sonogashira coupling-control over CuxO nanoparticles/carbon nanotube by switching visible-light off and on
