Preparation of TiO2 Nanoparticle Loaded MCM-41 and Study of Its Photo-Catalytic Activity Towards Decolorization of Methyl Orange.

Here we report the synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticle loaded mesoporous MCM-41 photocatalysts for degradation of methyl orange dye in aqueous medium under sunlight exposure. TiO2 loaded MCM-41 was synthesized by impregnation method. Anatase form of TiO2 nanoparticles were formed in the porous matrix of the silicate MCM-41. The synthesized materials were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction method, surface area and porosimetry analysis; diffuse reflectance analysis, particle size analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The photocatalytic property of the synthesized materials were investigated towards the degradation of methyl orange under sunlight exposure and monitored by UV-visible spectrophotometer. Synthesized catalysts showed high photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methyl orange.