Synthesis and Characterization of TiO2/Au Nanocomposite Using UV-Irradiation Method and Its Photocatalytic Activity to Degradation of Methylene Blue

Gold doped TiO2 has been successfully synthesized via photolysis method and is characterized by different techniques. Nanoparticles of gold doped TiO2 were utilized for the degradation of methylene blue as a material pigmentation pollutant. The substitution of Au on TiO2 surface was confirmed by XRD, EDX, TEM and FTIR techniques. The TEM and SEM results showed that the particles are in nano range and its size is below 15 nm. Without a catalyst, the degradation of the dye under visible light in acid and natural medium gives a modest result, but a better results at pH 11 while it gives an excellent result at all conditions when using a catalyst.