Characterization of AC/TiO₂ Composite Prepared with Pitch Binder and Their Photocatalytic Activity

In this study, we have prepared pitch binded AC (activated carbon)/$AC/TiO_2$ composites photocatalysts through carbon tetrachloride solvent method. The developed samples were characterized with surface properties, structural crystallinity between AC and $AC/TiO_2$, elemental identification and photocatalytic activity. The results of the textural surface properties demonstrate that there are slight increases in the BET surface area and adsorbed volume from adsorption isotherm of composite samples with increasing of the amount of AC. The SEM results present to the characterization of porous texture on the pitch/AC/$AC/TiO_2$ composites and homogenous compositions in the particle for all the materials used. From XRD data, a weak and broad carbon peak of graphene remained rutile peaks kept with anatase structure were observed in the X-ray diffraction patterns for the pitch/AC/$AC/TiO_2$ composites. The EDX spectra show the presence of C, O and S with strong Ti peaks. Most of these samples are richer in carbon and major Ti metal than any other elements. Finally, the excellent photocatalytic activity of the pitch/AC/$AC/TiO_2$ composites between relative concentration ($c/c_o$) of MB and UV irradiation time could be attributed to the both effects between photocatalysis of the supported $AC/TiO_2$ and adsorptivity of the two kinds of carbons.