Sustainable biowaste-derived TiO2@CDs nanocomposite for photocatalytic dye degradation

Abstract

Wastewater treatment is a crucial global concern with substantial environmental and public health ramifications. The degradation of carcinogenic impurities from industrial and domestic effluents has become challenging with conventional methods. Titanium dioxide‑carbon dots (TiO 2 @CDs) nanocomposite was synthesized from bulk TiO 2 employing Ananas comosus as carbon source via simple ultrasonication for both photocatalytic degradation of pollutants. The present work highlights the tailored bandgap of TiO 2 @CDs specifically tuned to 2.31 eV, making it suitable for utilizing visible light radiation. The structural, electrochemical and optical characteristics of the synthesized TiO 2 @CDs nanocomposite were characterised using Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared, and X-ray diffraction. Results showed that TiO 2 @CDs nanocomposite achieved 81% photocatalytic degradation of MB dye in 120 mins. Thus, this study opens a new possibility for developing effective semiconductor nanoparticles for applicability in photo-catalysis. • Developed TiO 2 @CDs nanocomposite using Ananas comosus as a carbon source via ultrasonication. • TiO 2 @CDs nanocomposite tuned to a bandgap of 2.31 eV. • Achieved 81% degradation of methylene blue dye within 120 min. • Opens new possibilities for nanocomposite in photocatalysis and environmental applications.