Bio-template synthesis of spirulina/TiO2 composite with enhanced photocatalytic performance

A visible-light photocatalytic, mesoporous, hierarchical spirulina/TiO₂ composite with dye-sensitized surface was fabricated through a one-step hydrothermal process. The microstructure, mesoporous characteristics, surface morphology, as well as the visible-light photocatalytic activities are studied...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inRSC advances Vol. 2; no. 28; pp. 10585 - 10591
Main Authors Tu, Yu Di, Zhou, Zheng, Yan, Rong Jun, Gan, Yong Ping, Huang, Wan Zhen, Weng, Xian Xian, Huang, Hui, Zhang, Wen Kui, Tao, Xin Yong
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published 01.01.2012
Subjects
aqueous solutions
decolorization
irradiation
light
methyl orange
microstructure
photocatalysis
photosynthesis
pigments
porous media
Spirulina
surface area
titanium dioxide
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Summary:A visible-light photocatalytic, mesoporous, hierarchical spirulina/TiO₂ composite with dye-sensitized surface was fabricated through a one-step hydrothermal process. The microstructure, mesoporous characteristics, surface morphology, as well as the visible-light photocatalytic activities are studied. The spirulina/TiO₂ had an anatase phase and an enhanced harvesting of visible light. It was found that the spirulina/TiO₂ composite exhibited higher specific surface area with narrow distributed mesopores. The photocatalytic activity of spirulina/TiO₂ was evaluated by decolorizing methyl orange aqueous solutions under visible light irradiation. As a bio-template, spirulina prevents TiO₂ from further aggregating and provides photosynthesis pigments as in situ dye-sensitizing source. The enlarged specific surface area and dye-sensitized surface improved the visible-light photocatalytic activity of spirulina/TiO₂.
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ISSN:2046-2069
2046-2069
DOI:10.1039/c2ra21753h