MnOx quantum dots decorated reduced graphene oxide/TiO2 nanohybrids for enhanced activity by a UV pre-catalytic microwave method

Graphene/TiO2-based catalysts have attracted much attention as promising photocatalysts because of their low cost and excellent performance. In this report, we integrated the energy storage with high photocatalytic activity into a new model for wider applications in the field of energy utilization and environmental treatment. The MnOx quantum dots were decorated on reduced graphene oxide/TiO2 hybrids (GTM) by combining UV excitation with microwave method for the first time. Experimental results show that GTM nanohybrids have excellent photocatalytic activity for organic dyes under UV-vis light and good antibacterial activity. Besides, UV preexcitation can improve the adsorbability and photocatalytic durability of GTM nanohybrids for high-concentration dyes. These enhancements are attributed to the rapid separation of photogenerated carriers from reduced graphene oxide and surface defects induced by UV excitation, and the broad light absorption aroused by the narrow band gap and MnOx quantum dots simultaneously. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.