Microstructure of anatase-based hybrid nanocomposites

Morphology, crystalline arrangement and stoichiometry of f-CNTs/TiO 2/Pt nanohybrids are systematically investigated as a function of TiO2 content (28-93 wt%). The results show that TiO2 content plays a relevant role in determining the chemical/morphological properties of the investigated nanohybrids. Significant changes of crystalline phase purity, stoichiometry and agglomeration degree, as well as exposed surface area of titania grains and contact surface between oxide and nanotubes, are observed. At intermediate TiO2 contents (64 wt%) oxide grains, well dispersed and adhered over f-CNTs, exhibit 11% of surface oxygen vacancies available for the adsorption/reaction. Hence, by properly tuning their TiO 2 content, the properties of f-CNTs/TiO2/Pt composites can be tailored making them promising candidates for room temperature and near-room temperature photo-catalysis and sensing applications.