Synthesis and Characterization of SiO2/TiO2 as Photocatalyst on Methylene Blue Degradation

The paper presents a modification of titanium dioxide with fumed silica. SiO2/TiO2 photocatalysts were obtained by the sol-gel method and then calcined under an argon atmosphere. Various SiO2 weights (2–17.2 wt.%) used in materials’ preparation stage. samples characterized using advanced analytical methods, such as FT-IR/DRS infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, SEM scanning electron microscopy, UV-Vis/DRS spectroscopy. BET specific surface area zeta potential also measured. Based on results, it was observed that effectively inhibited increase crystallite size anatase brookite during calcination decrease values. Moreover, presence nanomaterials contributed to change band gap energy photocatalytic activity determined based decomposition methylene blue UV irradiation. Thermal inert gas atmosphere significantly increased dye removal rate. It should be noted all showed higher compared starting TiO2. found along content sample (up 14.3 wt.% SiO2). highest recorded for SiO2(11.1%)/TiO2_400 SiO2(14.3%)/TiO2_400 samples.