Synthesis of nanostructured TiC/TiO2 with controllable morphology on carbon fibers as photocatalyst for degrading RhB and reducing Cr(VI) under visible light

Carbon fibers (CFs) and TiH 2 were used as raw materials to grow TiC on the surface of CFs in a molten salt system. After hydrothermal reaction with sodium hydroxide, part of TiC was converted into sodium titanate. The sodium ions were substituted by H + by the hydrochloric acid solution treatment. CFs@TiC/TiO 2 composite was generated after high-temperature treatment. XRD, Raman, XPS, SEM, and AFM were used to characterize the structure and morphology of the composites. Results showed that a porous TiC film layer was homogeneously formed which was evenly wrapped on the surface of CFs. Through hydrothermal, displacement, and calcination processes, part of TiC was transformed into anatase TiO 2 with controllable morphology. Photocatalytic degradation experiments by the composite catalysts were carried out. The chemical reactions involved in the formation of composite structures and their effects on photocatalysis were analyzed and discussed. Notably, the morphology characteristics of the heterogeneous structure has a marked impact on the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and photocatalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)]. Furthermore, the composites can be easily recycled and reused with good reactivity.