Study on the Characterisation and Photocatalysis Reactivity of TiO₂/Cu Composite Particles

Abstract

Nano-TiO2/Micron size Cu composite particles were prepared in ambient conditions by bio-inspired method. Observation by field emission scanning electronic microscope shows TiO2 particles of 3-5 nm covers on copper powder surfaces to form nanometer/micron composite particles. XPS analysis shows that the element C, O, Ti, Sn and Cu existed on the surfaces of the composite particles. UV-vis spectra show a red shift of the absorption edge and a significant increase of absorption intensity in the visible region. The degradation experiment taking methyl orange demonstrates the photocatalysis activation of powder with good body made. At the same time, the apparent kinetics model for degradation reaction was established.