Excellent photocatalytic activity of titania–graphene nanocomposites prepared by a facile route

• Published in: Journal of sol-gel science and technology 2016-10, Vol.80 (1), p.189-200
• Main Authors: Gopalakrishnan, Anila, Binitha, Narayanan N., Yaakob, Zahira, Akbar, P. Mohammed, Padikkaparambil, Silija
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anatase; Atomic force microscopy; Catalysis; Catalysts; Catalytic activity; Ceramics; Chemistry and Materials Science; Composites; Dyes; Electron microscopy; environment and building applications; Field emission microscopy; Glass; Graphene; Inorganic Chemistry; Materials Science; Microscopy; Nanocomposites; Nanoparticles; Nanotechnology; Natural Materials; Optical and Electronic Materials; Original Paper: Sol-gel and hybrid materials for energy; Photocatalysis; Photocatalysts; Photodegradation; Reagents; Reducing agents; Scanning electron microscopy; Sheets; Titanium dioxide; Transmission electron microscopy; Ultraviolet radiation; X-ray diffraction
• ISSN: 0928-0707; 1573-4846
• DOI: 10.1007/s10971-016-4058-4

Herein, we have presented a facile route for the in situ preparation of titania–graphene nanocomposites having excellent photocatalytic activity. Titania sol is incorporated into graphene oxide sheets, and the resultant mixture is solvothermally treated to attain titania-reduced graphene oxide composites without the use of any additional reducing agents. The well alignment of the anatase titania nanoparticles over individual graphene layers was confirmed using various characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The photocatalysts showed complete degradation of methyl orange within short duration of UV irradiation. The best catalyst, with TiO 2 nanoparticles dispersed over 2 wt% graphene sheets, showed remarkable reusability where the activity remained unaffected till four repeated cycles. The facile method of preparation, graphene oxide reduction without the aid of any reducing agent, excellent photodegradation of methyl orange within short duration and reusability of the catalyst are the foremost attractions of present photocatalysts. Graphical Abstract Facile fabrication of titania–graphene nanocomposites, for the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange dye, is achieved under mild conditions.