Advantages of the Incorporation of Luffa-Based Activated Carbon to Titania for Improving the Removal of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solution

This research aims to study the possible improvement of methylene blue (MB) removal from aqueous solution by hybrid adsorbent-catalysts (AdsCats) prepared through incorporation activated carbon derived Luffa cylindrica fibers (LAC) TiO2 photocatalysts. LAC with a specific surface area 1170 m2/g was chemical activation phosphoric acid at 500 °C. TiO2/LAC composites 70 and 90 wt.% Degussa P25 titania content were prepared. The materials characterized N2 physical adsorption, XRD, FTIR, XPS. AdsCats displayed very good dispersion over LAC, close 200 or 400 m2/g, depending on composition, high crystallinity, showing presence anatase rutile phases. MB studied in two different scenarios: under UV-light after reaching adsorption equilibrium, once liquid effluent contact. has proved be efficient, highlighting predominant role photodegradation. have also been compared their components. results showed that TiLAC hybrids superior photocatalytic performance than P25, TiLAC-7/3 90% respect initial concentration just 30 min UV light irradiation for both scenarios.