Graphene-supported flocculent-like TiO2 nanostructures for enhanced photoelectrochemical activity and photodegradation performance

Here, novel graphene/TiO2 nanocomposite has been successfully prepared by loading flocculent-like titanate nanostructure in graphene sheets via hydrothermal method plus a subsequent annealing process. The as-obtained hybrid was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive spectroscope (EDS), Raman, and UV vis diffuse reflectance spectra, respectively. The photoelectrochemical activities and photocatalytic degradation performance of methyl orange under the illumination of ultraviolet light were investigated, and the flocculent-like TiO2/graphene composites was found to have a superior photocatalytic activity compared to flocculent-like titanate nanostructure and commercial anatase TiO2 powder, which can be attributed to the improved light absorption and extremely efficient charge separation of the hybrid structure. The results suggest that the as-prepared flocculent-like TiO2/graphene composite is a promising photocatalyst for photoelectrochemical hydrogen production and pollution removal. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.