(22a) TiO2-Graphene Nanocomposite As Advanced Photocatalyst:Synthesize and Application

Combining TiO₂ with carbonaceous nanomaterials is a possible approach to enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ as a most widely used semiconductor. Recently, Graphene has attracted remarkable attention due to its unique electronic, mechanical and thermal properties, and therefore, it can be an ideal material to improve the properties of TiO₂.

This study focused on the synthesis of TiO₂/RGO (Reduced Graphene Oxide) as a novel catalytic material. The resultant composites were characterized by electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), XRD, XPS, UV-Visible light diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and FTIR. The results show that the functionalized graphene sheets containing carboxylate groups acted as template for anchoring TiO₂ on the surface. The performance of synthesized material was examined as photocatalyst in solar hydrogen generation as well as degradation of toxic organic pollutants. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity is ascribed to the suppressed recombination of electron-hole pairs and increased surface-adsorbed reactants. This talk will present synthesis, characterization and quantitative results for application of the TiO₂-Graphene nanocomposite catalyst for solar hydrogen production and degradation of toxic organic pollutants under solar illumination.