Synthesis and evaluation of MMT/TiO₂ nanotube photocatalysts for enhanced degradation of organic dyes in wastewater

This study aims to synthesize a nanocomposite photocatalyst from naturally sourced clay (montmorillonite, MMT) and titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNTs) to efficiently degrade organic dyes in wastewater under UVC light. The TNTs were synthesized through the hydrothermal method and were randomly attached to both the surface and interlayer spaces of the MMT sheets. Pristine MMT was found to exhibit good adsorption properties, while the TNTs demonstrated strong photocatalytic activity. The combination of these materials in the MMT/TNT nanocomposite resulted in a material that exhibited both adsorption and photocatalytic properties. The dye degradation efficiency of the MMT/TNT nanocomposite reached 95%, which is significantly higher than that of pristine MMT (50%) and TNTs alone (60%). This enhanced performance can be attributed to the synergistic effect between the adsorption capacity of MMT and the photocatalytic activity of TNTs. The study highlights the potential of using naturally sourced materials like MMT in the development of advanced photocatalysts for environmental remediation. The MMT/TNT nanocomposite offers a sustainable and efficient solution for the removal of organic pollutants from wastewater. These findings provide a pathway for further development of high-performance nanocomposites that combine the dual functional properties of adsorption and photocatalysis, contributing to more efficient wastewater treatment technologies.