Enhanced visible light photocatalysis using TiO2/phthalocyanine nanocomposites for the degradation of selected industrial dyes

Solvent-evaporation method has been successfully employed for the synthesis of titanium dioxide/metal phthalocyanine (TiO2/M-Pc (M=Co, Fe)) nanocomposites. Systematic investigations of thermal, structural and optical properties of the synthesized composites were carried out. Fourier transform infra-red and Raman spectroscopic studies confirmed the successful formation of TiO2/M-Pc nanocomposites. Optical absorption studies for the samples demonstrate the optical band gap tuning from UV to visible regime. The photoluminescence studies of the synthesized nanocomposites found blue – green emission for potential use in near UV light excited light emitting diodes and other display devices. The photocatalytic degradation studies of certain industrial dyes using the synthesized nanocomposites found that almost 100% of organic pollutants are decomposed within 90 min of visible light irradiation. In brief, the present study confirms the potential use of TiO2/M-Pc nanocomposite in the field of industrial applications to eliminate the organic pollutants from waste water. [Display omitted] •TiO2/M-Pc nanocomposites synthesized by solvent evaporation method.•First report showing ∼100% efficiency for pollutant degradation using TiO2/M-Pc.•First report showing formation of rutile TiO2 without calcination.•Band gap tuning of TiO2/M-Pc from UV to visible range for potential applications.