Photoactive CdO:TiO2 nanocomposites for dyes degradation under visible light

Abstract CdO:TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized by sol-gel precipitating method for different volume ratios and examined the photoactivity of synthesized nanomaterials. The structure of nanomaterials was analysized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) while FE-SEM and HR-TEM were used for morphological property. XRD patterns showed anatase phase for TiO2 and cubic phases for CdO, respectively, where as a mixed structure was observed for CdO:TiO2. The optical bandgaps were found between 2.10 and 3.25 eV for the different volume ratios. The CdO:TiO2 (1:1) was found suitable for the degradation of both organic methyl blue and methyl orange dye under visible light. The boosted charge separation and low recombination rates were responsible to enhance the performance of the photocatalic activity in visible light. The photodegradation was increased from 75% to 99% for CdO to CdO:TiO2 for methyl orange dye at a pH value of 7. The mineralization property of the dyes was confirmed by biological oxygen and a chemical oxygen demand measurements.