Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of a composite based on TiO2 and active carbon prepared from mango pit

Abstract

In this study, results are presented concerning the development of alternative materials based on titanium dioxide (TiO2) and agro-industrial waste for use in the treatment of effluent contaminated with dyes. The photocatalytic activity of a composite formed by the association of activated carbon, obtained from pit residue of mango, with modified titanium dioxide was evaluated by the degradation of crystal violet dye. From the analysis of X-rays diffratograms, it was observed that the modification introduced in the TiO2, as well as the formation of the composite with activated carbon, lead to wider peaks with lesser intensity, suggesting the formation of small particles. The composite presented the best photocatalytic performance, attributed to the significantly large specific area of this material when compared to pure TiO2, reaching 99% degradation of the organic matter after 60 minutes of reaction time. This is, therefore, a promising material for environmental photocatalysis.

Solution Combustion Synthesis of Environmentally Friendly Magnetic Composites Based on Iron Oxide and Mango (Mangifera Indica L.) waste for UV and Solar - Driven Heterogeneous Photocatalysis

“…The insertion of carbonaceous materials has been an interesting alternative in the synthesis of new materials, since it combines the improvement in textural properties, influencing the adsorptive capacity [20], and with the improvement in the structural, electrical, and magnetic properties of the materials [21]. Activated carbon is a carbonaceous material widely used for this type of modification, as it is easily accessible and has textural properties suitable for use in various processes and can be used in the commercial version or obtained from the burning of biomass, such as the bark of coffee and mango seed [22,23]. Graphene and its oxides have also been used mainly for improving electrical and structural properties, increasing the photocatalytic activity of materials [24].…”