Hydrothermal Synthesis and Adsorption Proprieties of Titania-Active Carbon Composites
Titania nanoparticles were anchored onto active carbon (AC) through a hydrothermal process to obtain TiO2/AC composites. The optimal TiO2 loading and hydrothermal pH were investigated. The prepared TiO2/AC composites were used as adsorbents for dibenzothiophene (DBT) from model fuel. The adsorption capacity of TiO2/AC composite in the optimal synthesis conditions has enhanced 12.4% compared with pure AC. The adsorbents were regenerated by toluene washing, and the TiO2/AC composite showed higher adsorptive capacity than AC even after three recycles. The pore structure and surface chemical proprieties of TiO2/AC composite and AC were also investigated by N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms and Beohm titration. The results indicate that the surface acidic sites of TiO2/AC may play an important role in the improved adsorption performance.