Synthesis and characterization of cadmium sulfide and titania photocatalysts supported on mesoporous silica for optimized dye degradation under visible light
Abstract This research presents a new and improved photocatalyst based on the synergistic effect of three components, CdS, TiO2, and MCM-41, applying statistical techniques to fine-tune degradation parameters for efficient Methylene Blue (MB) degradation. By creating a library of CdS/TiO2 nanopartic...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-92077-7 |
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| Summary: | Abstract This research presents a new and improved photocatalyst based on the synergistic effect of three components, CdS, TiO2, and MCM-41, applying statistical techniques to fine-tune degradation parameters for efficient Methylene Blue (MB) degradation. By creating a library of CdS/TiO2 nanoparticles systematically loaded onto the mesoporous structure of MCM-41, with different loading percentages (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% w/w), nanocomposites with high surface area and maximized optical properties were designed and analyzed using material characterization techniques including XRD, FTIR, XPS, UV-Vis DRS, TEM, FESEM, EDS, PL, and BET. Ideal performance was achieved from CdS/TiO2/MCM-41 (CTM) with a 15% w/w loading, which shows high photocatalytic performance at a neutral pH, reaching 45.6% MB degradation with only two 60-W lamps in 30 min. Furthermore, TOC analyses confirmed the effective degradation of MB and its intermediate. The reduction of the TOC (63%, 90 min), indicating successful mineralization of the pollutant. Response surface methodology was used to identify key factors that boost degradation performance, including pH, airflow, and photocatalyst concentration. This model, with a correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.991 and a precision of 47.65, confirmed CTM’s potential as a scalable solution for wastewater treatment and pollution control. |
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| ISSN: | 2045-2322 |