What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to improve photocatalytic performance in organic dye degradation using TiO2 modified with Carbon Quantum Dots.

February 2, 2026

Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance of Carbon Quantum Dot (CQD) Modified TiO 2 Nanocomposites for Organic Dye Degradation

Key Points

The aim is to improve photocatalytic performance in organic dye degradation using TiO2 modified with Carbon Quantum Dots.
Synthesis of TiO2 @CQD nanocomposites using carbon quantum dots.
Characterization using XRD, TEM, UV-vis, and FTIR.
Evaluation of photocatalytic efficiency against Methylene Blue and Methyl Red.
Optimization of operational parameters including pH and catalyst dosage.
Reusability testing of photocatalysts across multiple cycles.
Achieved 80% degradation of Methylene Blue and 99% degradation of Methyl Red.
Demonstrated increased visible-light absorption and reduced electron-hole recombination.
Maintained degradation efficiency over six continuous cycles.
Confirmed high stability and durability of the photocatalysts.

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this study, TiO 2 @CQD nanocomposites were successfully synthesized to enhance photocatalytic performance. The incorporation of Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) onto TiO 2 led to significant improvements compared to pure TiO 2 . Structural and optical characterizations, including XRD, TEM, UV–vis, and FTIR, confirmed the effective formation of a heterostructure and the successful attachment of CQDs. This heterostructure enhances visible‐light absorption while reducing the rapid recombination of electron–hole pairs due to efficient charge transfer between TiO 2 and CQDs. The photocatalytic efficiency of the nanocomposites was evaluated using two common organic dyes: Methylene Blue (MB) and Methyl Red (MR). Under optimized operational parameters (pH 7 and catalyst dosage of 50 mg/L), the TiO 2 @CQD composite achieved approximately 80% degradation of MB and nearly complete degradation (99%) of MR. The enhanced activity is mainly attributed to the increased light‐harvesting ability and synergistic electron–hole separation mechanisms facilitated by CQDs. Additionally, reusability tests demonstrated that the photocatalyst maintained its degradation efficiency even after six continuous cycles, indicating high stability, and durability. Overall, the results show that TiO 2 @CQD nanocomposites are efficient, stable, and environmentally promising photocatalysts for wastewater treatment applications.

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