Preparation and photocatalytic degradation activity of TiO₂/rGO/polymer composites

Graphene oxide (GO) sheets exfoliated from graphite were wrapped on the surfaces of polymer microspheres (∼2.5 μm in diameter) to form GO-skined GO/polymer hybrid microspheres. Subsequently, anatase TiO₂ nanoparticles were nucleated and grown on the GO surfaces under solvothermal conditions, meanwhile GO was reduced to reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and Raman spectra demonstrate the formation of TiO₂/rGO/polymer composites. Solvothermal reaction time was found to be an important factor in the crystallinity and size of anatase TiO₂ nanoparticles, further in the photocatalytic activities of TiO₂/rGO/polymer composites. The new composites behaved excellent photocatalytic activities, achieving 96 % degradation of rhodamine B in 30 min under visible light. Comparing with commercial TiO₂, the improved photocatalytic activities of TiO₂/rGO/polymer are attributed to the unique electrical conductivity of rGO, the nanosized anatase TiO₂ particles, and the interactions between them.