Abstract
Abstract: Multiwall carbon nanotubes were coupled with titanium dioxide (in different mole ratios of titanium and carbon) at the nano-scale, using a simple sonochemical and calcination process. The titanium dioxide-multiwall carbon nanotubes nanocomposites were for the first time surface modified with an innovative biotechnology-based reaction by using laccase to activate and covalently graft gallic acid dimers/oligomers/polymers on the nanocomposite surface in order to impart new functionalities and to minimize the nanocomposites’ toxicity. Structure of the titanium dioxide-multiwall carbon nanotubes, before and after surface modification, was investigated with X-ray powder diffraction, infrared, and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated preferential formation of anatase titanium dioxide on one hand and covalent grafting of gallic acid dimers/oligomers/polymers functionalities on the nanocomposite surface, on the other. After modification, the antioxidant activity was analyzed using 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and photocatalytic activity toward the liquid-phase degradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution under both UV and visible light irradiation. Up to 98% antioxidant activity of the surface modified nanocomposites was established after 24 h of incubation, whereas non-modified nanocomposite induced the formation of the ABTS•+ radicals. In addition, 1.3-2.8-fold reduction in photocatalytic activity was achieved, depending on the irradiation. Accordingly, the gallic acid dimers/oligomers/polymers modified titanium dioxide-multiwall carbon nanotubes appear to simultaneously exhibit photocatalytic activity with an ability to scavenge free radicals, and can thus be considered as engineered nanoparticles with low toxicity.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 132-142 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology |
Volume | 83 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jul 2017 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Antioxidant activity
- Gallic acid
- Laccase
- Photocatalytic activity
- Surface functionalization
- TiO-Carbon Nanotube composites
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Ceramics and Composites
- Chemistry(all)
- Biomaterials
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Chemistry