Single-step solvothermal synthesis of mesoporous anatase TiO2-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for the abatement of organic pollutants

Abstract

In the present work, we have fabricated a novel mesoporous TiO2–rGO nanocomposite by a facile one-step solvothermal method using titanic sulfate as the TiO2 source. The as-prepared composites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction; UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and photoluminence spectra. In situ nucleation and anchoring of TiO2 nanoparticles onto a graphene sheet is favorable fpr forming an intimate interfacial contact, and the chemically bonded TiO2–rGO nanocomposites commendably enhanced their photocatalytic activity in the photodegradation of rhodamine B and phenol. The high photocatalytic activity of the as-synthesized nanocomposites are primarily ascribed to the mesoporous structure, efficient charge transportation and separation with enhanced visible light absorption, which come from the appealing nanoarchitecture, for instance, ultra-dispersed and ultra-small TiO2 nanocrystals along with intimate and absolute interfacial contact between the TiO2 nanocrystals and the graphene sheet.