Incorporation of reduced graphene oxide into faceted flower-like {001} TiO ₂ for enhanced photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Anatase TiO2 with {001} facets is much more active than that with {101} facets, which has been verified via experiments and theoretical calculations. Graphene has garnered much attention since it was initially synthesized, due to its unique properties. In this study, reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/{001} faceted TiO2 composites were fabricated via a solvothermal method. The composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectrophotometry, photoluminescence and Raman analysis. The results revealed that the graphene oxide was reduced during the preparation process of the {001} faceted TiO2, and combined with the surface of {001} TiO2. The photocatalytic activities of the composites were evaluated through the degradation of basic violet, under both white light (λ > 390 nm) and visible light (λ = 420 nm) irradiation. The results indicated that the photocatalytic activities of the {001} faceted TiO2 were significantly improved following the incorporation of RGO, particularly under visible light irradiation. Theoretical calculations showed that the band structure of the {001} faceted TiO2 was modified via graphene hybridization, where the separation of photoinduced electron–hole pairs was promoted; thus, the photocatalytic activity was enhanced.

Vacuum-Free Quantum Dots Planar Hybrid Solar Cells: Improving Charge Transport Using Reduced Graphene Oxide and PEO as the Buffer Layer

“…Furthermore, Figure 2a-d shows the transmission electron microscopy images of rGO. From Figure 2a, it is observed that rGO is a transparent thin sheet-layered structure, which is prepared from graphene oxide [17]. Figure 2b shows the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern of the rGO, which has two rings.…”

Photocatalysis and Li-Ion Battery Applications of {001} Faceted Anatase TiO2-Based Composites

“…Liu et al incorporated rGO into 001 faceted flower-like TiO 2 via solvothermal method. The results indicated that the photocatalytic activities of these composites were significantly improved following the incorporation of RGO, particularly under visible light irradiation [136]. Thien et al fabricated TiO 2 with highly exposed {001} facets decorated on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets by simple solvothermal route.…”