Photocatalytic Carbon‐Nanotube–TiO₂ Composites

TLDR

Photocatalysis using TiO₂ and carbon nanotubes exploits the semiconductor properties of anatase and rutile to enhance catalytic activity. The study examines how pairing TiO₂ with metallic, semiconducting, or defect‑rich CNTs enhances photocatalytic performance. It reviews synthesis methods for TiO₂–CNT composites and their photocatalytic reactions with organic, inorganic, and biological substrates. The review notes that chemically bonded TiO₂–CNT composites differ from simple mixtures and highlights their diverse applications and remaining challenges.

Abstract

Abstract The literature and advances in photocatalysis based on the combination of titania (TiO 2 ) 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–TiO 2 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.