TiO₂-SiO₂/activated carbon fibers photocatalyst: Preparation, characterization, and photocatalytic activity

TiO₂-SiO₂ films anchored on activated carbon fibers (ACFs) were prepared by sol-gel-adsorption method, and the composite materials (TiO₂-SiO₂/ACFs) were characterized by scanning electron microscope, nitrogen adsorption analysis, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Photocatalytic activities of the composite materials were evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange solution. Results showed that methyl orange could be rapidly removed from water by the composite materials under ultraviolet irradiation due to the dual action of adsorption by ACFs and photocatalytic decomposition by TiO ₂-SiO₂ films. Composite materials calcined at 750°C exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity, and their high activity was maintained when it was reused for four cycles.