Photocatalytic Carbon-Nanotube-TiO2 Composites

The literature and advances in photocatalysis based on the combination of titania (TiO2) and carbon nanotubes is presented. The semiconductor basis for photocatalysis is introduced for anatase and rutile. Furthermore, the proposed mechanisms of catalytic enhancement resulting from the pairing of the titania semiconductor with either metallic, semiconducting, or defect-rich carbon nanotubes (CNT) is discussed. Differences are apparent for the mixtures and chemically bonded CNT-TiO2 composites. The article then highlights the recent advances in the synthesis techniques for these composites and their photocatalytic reactions with organic, inorganic, and biological agents. Finally, various applications and challenges for these composite materials are reported.