Simultaneous Laser-Induced Reduction and Nitrogen Doping of Graphene Oxide in Titanium Oxide/Graphene Oxide Composites

Titanium oxide/graphene oxide nanocomposite thin films were grown by ultraviolet (UV) matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique in controlled oxygen or nitrogen atmospheres. The effect of graphene oxide addition and laser-induced reduction as well as nitrogen doping on the wetting behavior and photoactive properties of titanium oxide thin films was investigated. Hydrophobic to hydrophilic conversion of titanium oxide films takes place progressively as the relative amount of graphene oxide in the MAPLE composite target increases. Nitrogen doping leads to further decrease of the static contact angle of the composite films. The photoactive properties of the synthesized materials were investigated through the evolution of contact angle under UV light irradiation. Wetting properties of both TiO2 and TiO2/GO nanocomposite thin films improved upon exposure to UV light.