TiO2/Graphene Composites with Excellent Performance in Photocatalysis

Abstract

Since 1972, TiO2-based photocatalysis has attracted much attention owing to its excellent and stable UV light-driven photocatalytic activity. However, in the past few decades, most reported modifications such as impurity doping, noble metal loading, and dye sensitization on TiO2 only have a limited role in promoting its solar light activity, owing to the introduction of electron and hole recombination centers in TiO2. Until the emergence of graphene, which is as a cardiotonic to bring a new breakthrough on photocatalysis. In this chapter, we introduce the recent progress of TiO2/graphene composites application in photocatalysis. The preparation, characterization, and application of two/three-dimensional TiO2/graphene composites in photocatalysis including photodegradation of organic pollutants, water splitting, and CO2 photoreduction are the focus of this chapter. At last, we give a prospective of graphene based materials in photocatalysis especially for their industrial applications in dealing with environmental issues. Anyway, it is beyond all doubt that graphene is considered as a “catalyst” in the field of photocatalysis, which will bring new vigor to photocatalysis.