Atomic layer deposition of hybrid metal oxides on carbon nanotube membranes for photodegradation of dyes

Synthetic dye pollution is a worldwide problem and quick remedies are urgently needed. Photocatalysis is a promising method to solve this problem and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are promising components in producing high-performance composite photocatalysts. Nevertheless, the strong hydrophobicity dramatically impedes its application in aqueous environments. In this study, hydrophilic CNT-hybrid metal oxides (ZnO and TiO₂) membranes were prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD). We demonstrate that ALD is an efficient and flexible method to enhance the photocatalytic activity of CNT-based membranes, especially the membranes used in wastewater treatments. The hybrid hexagonal wurtzite ZnO and anatase TiO₂ on CNTs after calcination could effectively enhance electron transfer and reduce photo-generated electron-holes recombination. The membranes exhibit preferable photocatalytic activity and stable reusability in dye degradation. This strategy of “ALD on CNTs” is expected to create other CNT-based membranes with additional functionalities and has bright prospect for wastewater treatments.