Enhanced photocatalytic activity of graphene/TiO2 nanotubes composites prepared by wet transfer method

Abstract

To enhanced photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanotubes, graphene was transferred on the surface of TiO2 nanotubes by wet transfer method. The results showed that the introduction of graphene reduced the band gap of composites and inhibited the recombination of photoinduced electrons and holes. Therefore, the degradation rate of the graphene/TiO2 nanotubes composites is about 44% higher than that of the TiO2 nanotubes. It was proved that the photoinduced holes play an important role in the degradation process of methylene blue by trapping experiments. This work provides a new pathway for preparing semiconducting TiO2 based catalysts with enhanced photocatalytic activity. Highlights The graphene/TiO2 nanotubes composites were prepared by simple anodic oxidation and wet transfer method, which is convenient for large-scale production. The introduction of graphene can effectively reduce the band gap and inhibit the recombination of photoinduced electrons and holes. The photocatalytic performance of graphene/TiO2 nanotubes composites is obviously higher than that of TiO2 nanotubes. The results of trapping experiments showed that the photoinduced holes play an important role in the degradation of methylene blue.