The use of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in sol-gel synthesized titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysts as templates was systematically studied. CNTs have high oxidative thermal stability and the controlled removal of CNTs can be achieved at lower temperatures under air flow by the use of Na, Fe, and Co as a catalyst. These catalysts helped to reduce the oxidation temperature of CNTs; thus anatase phase was achieved without significant sintering. The use of a promoter, heat treatment, and various heat treatment atmospheres was effective in specific surface area, crystallinity, and photocatalytic activity against methylene blue (MB) degradation. |
