A carbon membrane-mediated CdSe and TiO2 nanofiber film for enhanced photoelectrochemical degradation of methylene blue

Abstract

In this study, a carbon membrane-mediated CdSe and TiO₂ ternary film (CdSe/C/TiO₂) was prepared to degrade methylene blue (MB). Carbon membrane and CdSe were introduced to the surface of a TiO₂ nanofiber film via an in situ hydrothermal deposition process successively. The investigation shows that the carbon membrane not only provides a charge transfer channel to promote the transfer of electron from the conduction band of CdSe to that of TiO₂, but also improves the poor conduct between the TiO₂ film and electrolyte. The synergies between the carbon membrane and CdSe can make the ternary system harvest more visible light energy and facilitate the charge transfer property of TiO₂. The current density of CdSe/C/TiO₂ was about 9 folds higher compared with that of pure TiO₂ under UV and visible light irradiations. This ternary hybrid exhibits a superior activity during the photoelectrochemical (PEC) degradation of MB, and 92.43% can be removed after 120 min irradiation, which is improved by 21.14% than that of TiO₂.