Preparation of TiO₂ nanoparticle loaded MCM-41 and study of its photo-catalytic activity towards decolorization of methyl orange

Here we report the synthesis of TiO₂ nanoparticle loaded mesoporous MCM-41 photocatalysts for degradation of methyl orange dye in aqueous medium under sunlight exposure. TiO₂ loaded MCM- 41 was synthesized by impregnationmethod. Anatase form of TiO₂ nanoparticles were formed in the porous matrix of the silicate MCM-41. The synthesized materials were characterized using powder X-ray diffractionmethod, surface area and porosimetry analysis; diffuse reflectance analysis, particle size analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The photocatalytic property of the synthesized materials were investigated towards the degradation of methyl orange under sunlight exposure and monitored by UV-visible spectrophotometer. Synthesized catalysts showed high photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methyl orange.