Advancements in TiO2-based nanocomposites for sustainable technology solutions

The growing threat of persistent environmental pollutants and microorganisms is prompting researchers to examine the potential of titanium dioxide (TiO₂)-based nanocomposites with highly efficient photocatalytic capabilities and antimicrobial properties. By compositing various nanomaterials, such as metal oxides or graphene, with TiO₂ nanomaterials, researchers can produce reactive oxygen species under visible light, which accelerates the decomposition of complex organic molecules and enhances the functional properties. Based on this, we synthesised TiO₂-based nanocomposites containing different ratios of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles by solid-phase and hydrothermal methods. Structural evaluation by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that these nanocomposites exhibited uniform particle distribution, intact composition, and particle size within 30 nm. The photocatalytic efficacy of the TiO₂-based nanocomposites was evaluated using an aqueous methylene blue solution. The results demonstrated that the TiO₂-based nanocomposites with optimal CuO ratios exhibited a removal efficiency of over 90% for the pollutant. These results underline the potential of TiO₂-based nanocomposites for environmental and public health applications, highlighting their importance in promoting sustainable technologies and improving water quality worldwide, making them an important advance in the management of environmental and health-related pollutants.