Characterization and photocatalytic properties of Ru, C co-modified one-dimensional TiO₂-based composites prepared via a single precursor approach

With Ru₃(CO)₁₂ being used as precursor, Ru and C co-modified one-dimensional nano TiO₂ composites (Ru–C/TiO₂) were prepared by the single precursor approach. The composites were characterized with TEM, XRD, UV–Vis DRS, XPS, TG–DTA, ICP, and EA. TEM images showed that RuO₂ nanoparticles, whose size was in the range of 3–7 nm, were uniformly dispersed on the surface of TiO₂. XPS results revealed that the carbon in Ru–C/TiO₂ calcinated in N₂ atmosphere existed as active carbon and carbonate, and ruthenium existed as Ru⁴⁺ ions. The photocatalytic performances of products were evaluated by monitoring their catalytic activities for degradation of methyl orange solution under both UV and simulated sunlight irradiations. The influences of contents of ruthenium and carbon, calcination temperature and atmosphere on the photocatalytic activities of the composites were investigated. Obtained results showed that the Ru–C/TiO₂ calcinated at 500 °C in N₂ atmosphere exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than P25 under the same conditions.