Purpose
The aim of this paper is to synthesize graphene-modified titanium dioxide (GR-TiO2) nanorod arrays nanocomposite films, so that these can enhance the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide and overcome the problem of difficult separation and recovery of photocatalysts.
Design/methodology/approach
The GR-TiO2 nanocomposite films were synthesized via hydrothermal method and spin-coating. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) diffuse reflectance spectrum and Raman spectrum. The photocatalytic performance of the GR-TiO2 nanocomposite films for degrading Rhodamin B under ultraviolet (UV) was studied by a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The photocatalytic enhancement mechanism of graphene was studied by photoelectrochemical analysis.
Findings
The introduction of graphene expanded the range of the optical response of TiO2 nanorod arrays, improving the separation efficiency of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs, and thus dramatically increasing its photocatalytic performance.
Research limitations/implications
A simple and novel way for synthesizing GR-TiO2 nanocomposite films has enhanced the photocatalytic performance of TiO2.
Originality/value
The photocatalyst synthesized is easy to separate and recycle in the process of photocatalytic reaction, so it is possible to achieve industrialization.
TiO2-based ultraviolet photodetectors have drawn great attention and are intensively explored. However, the construction of TiO2-based nanocomposites with excellent ultraviolet responses remains challenging. Herein, a TiO2 nanorod array was successfully prepared on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) conductive glass by a one-step hydrothermal method. Then, polypyrrole (PPy)-TiO2 nanorod array composites were designed via subsequent in situ oxidative polymerization. The morphologies, structures, and photocurrent responses of the nanocomposites were systematically investigated. The results demonstrated that polypyrrole-TiO2 exhibited a stronger photocurrent response than pure TiO2 due to the p-n junction formed between n-type TiO2 nanorod arrays and p-type polypyrrole. The PPy-TiO2 composite obtained by deposition three times had the best photoelectric properties, exhibiting good performance with a sensitivity of 41.7 and responsivity of 3.5 × 10−3 A/W. Finally, the mechanism of the photoelectrical response of PPy-TiO2 composites was discussed, guiding the design of high-performance TiO2-based ultraviolet photodetectors.
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