Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals
Publication Date
2026
Abstract
Rice husk ash (RHA), an abundant biomass residue, was employed as a sustainable precursor for synthesizing activated carbon (AC) and its TiO2-based photocatalyst composite. AC was produced via ultrasonication-assisted NaOH activation of KOH-impregnated biochar, yielding a highly porous material with a large surface area. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles were synthesized from titanium (IV) isopropoxide (TTIP) and subsequently immobilized onto AC to form the AC/TiO2 composite. Structural and textural analyses (XRD, FT-IR, BET, SEM–EDS) confirmed the presence of anatase TiO2 uniformly distributed within the AC framework while preserving its porous architecture. The photocatalytic activity of the composite was assessed using Basic Blue 3 (BB3) as a model dye under UVC irradiation. Whereas pristine AC removed ~85% of BB3 primarily through adsorption, the AC/TiO2 composite achieved up to 98% removal within 120 min due to the synergistic contribution of adsorption and photocatalysis. GC–MS analysis revealed that AC/TiO2 not only decolorized the dye but also induced extensive molecular fragmentation, including cleavage of azo bonds and aromatic ring opening, confirming genuine photo-catalytic degradation beyond surface adsorption. Overall, the biomass-derived AC/TiO2 composite demonstrates strong potential as an efficient and sustainable photocatalyst for dye-contaminated waste-water treatment.
DOI
10.55713/jmmm.v36i3.2597
First Page
1
Last Page
9
Recommended Citation
Thi Dao, Bang-Tam; Nguyen, Do Trung; Hon Le, Nhien; and Ha-Thuc, Chi-Nhan
(2026)
"Synergistic adsorption–photocatalysis of activated carbon/titanium dioxide composite derived from rice husk ash under ultraviolet-C irradiation,"
Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals: Vol. 36:
No.
3, Article 2.
DOI: 10.55713/jmmm.v36i3.2597
Available at:
https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/jmmm/vol36/iss3/2