Hybrid TiO2-C composites for the photodegradation of methylene blue under visible light

Photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) on TiO2 in presence of activated carbons (AC) was studied. Two different lamps were employed and results were compared against those obtained on a commercial TiO2. Apparent first order rate constant for the degradation of MB was higher in presence of any AC in comparison of TiO2 alone but much higher under visible light irradiation. It can be concluded that TiO2 enhances its photoactivity by a factor up to 8.7 in the degradation of MB in presence of AC and this increase was associated with the surface properties of AC.