Template-free hierarchical TiO2/rGO nanocomposites for enhanced photocatalytic performance

Abstract

This work utilized a simple, cost-effective, one-pot, template-free hydrothermal technique to form a hierarchical nanocomposite having TiO2 and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The hierarchical TiO2/rGO nanocomposite demonstrates a large surface area, resulting in higher adsorption of photons and effective charge generation, separation, and migration. As a result, the synthesized nanocomposite shows effective degradation of Rhodamine-B dye. The optimal amount of rGO effectively minimizes the charge recombination, which plays a significant role in dye degradation. The morphological, photoelectrochemical, and photocatalytic characteristics were studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, photoluminescence spectra, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and UV–Vis spectrophotometer. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.