Single-Step Synthesis of LaMnO3/MWCNT Nanocomposites and Their Photocatalytic Activities

Composites of the nano‐sized perovskite‐type oxide of LaMnO3 and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized in a single step using the sol‐gel method. Their photocatalytic activities for the degradation of various water‐soluble dyes under visible light were evaluated. The prepared samples were characterized by thermogravimetry analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, photoluminescence spectroscopy and UV‐vis diffused spectroscopy. Results showed that LaMnO3 nanoparticles grew on the surface of MWCNTs with a grain size of around 20 nm. Photocatalysis measurements revealed that the LaMnO3/MWCNT nanocomposites had greater photocatalytic activities than pure LaMnO3 nanoparticles, and the mass percentage of MWCNTs showed that 9.4% possessed the highest photocatalytic activity. These results indicate that LaMnO3/MWCNT nanocomposites are promising candidates as highly effective photocatalysts.