Hydrothermal Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of Partially Reduced Graphene Oxide/TiO2 Composite

Partially reduced graphene oxide/titanium dioxide (RGO/TiO2) composite was synthesized using tetrabutyl titanate and graphite oxide by a hydrothermal method. Photocatalytic activity of the material was evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue solution under visible light and UV light. The results suggest that the crystal phase and dispersion of titanium oxide in the composite can be controlled by varying the reaction temperature and amount of graphite oxide. Graphene oxide was partially reduced in the hydrothermal reaction process. Photocatalytic activities of partially reduced graphene oxide/titanium dioxide composites under both visible and UV light irradiation were higher than those of pure TiO2. Partially reduced graphene oxide may act as a support and electron acceptor, and can also extend and enhance the band edge absorption of TiO2 into the visible light region, hence effectively enhancing the adsorbability and photocatalytic activity of TiO2.