(379e) Mineralization of Reduced Graphene Oxide Via OH* Evolved from TiO2 Nanoparticles

The fascinating electrical properties and solution-based processing capabilities of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) have led to its widespread implementation as a conductive support for nanostructured materials. In particular, RGO has been consistently shown to improve photocatalytic degradation of environmental pollutants when coupled with TiO2 nanoparticles and irradiated with UV light. However, previous work demonstrating the susceptibility of RGO to OHï?· attack raises new questions in terms of the stability of RGO in the TiO2 aqueous system. In this study we have examined this stability in detail and find the RGO is completely mineralized via the OHï?· that evolve from the valence band of TiO2 under UV excitation. The mechanism through which the degradation proceeds as well as the environmental implications of the findings are discussed.