Graphene-Based Single Crystal TiO2 Composites with Exposed Catalytic Interfaces for Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Three types of graphene–single crystal titanium dioxide composite (GR–TiO2SCs) were prepared using the hydrothermal method, employing TiF4 and graphite as raw materials with hydrofluoric acid serving as the morphology-directing agent. The phase composition and morphological features of the resultant composites were systematically characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. These complementary characterization results clearly demonstrate that graphene and TiO2 single crystals have been successfully hybridized to form a well-defined heterostructure, rather than a simple physical mixture. Photocatalytic performances were evaluated by monitoring the photodegradation behaviors of methylene blue, rhodamine B, and methyl orange solutions under simulated light irradiation, with real-time concentration variations recorded by UV–visible absorption spectroscopy. The composite sample in which TiO2SCs were in situ grown and uniformly anchored onto graphene oxide substrates effectively suppressed the self-stacking and agglomeration of individual crystallites, thus delivering the best photocatalytic response. Increased exposure of the active catalytic interfaces of TiO2SCs was found to play a key role in elevating the overall photocatalytic activity. The hierarchical assembly protocol developed in this work provides a feasible pathway for the rational design of functional composites with controllable microstructures and tailored properties, which can be further extended to the development of advanced sensing materials.
Source: Materials
DOI: 10.3390/ma19101963
Institution: Xi’an University
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W7160866670
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