Reduction of graphene oxide by TiO2 nanotubes photocatalyst

Abstract

Graphene has attracted studies because of its superior properties and potential applications. In this research, we aimed to implement a friendly environmental method to produce TiO₂/graphene composite by using photo-catalyst materials – TiO₂ nanotubes – to reduce graphene oxide. The TiO₂ nanotubes was synthesized by alkaline hydrothermal treatment method, and have the surface area (BET) of 418,3 m²/g, and diameter of 8-10 nm. Graphene oxide with 2-5 graphene layers was produced by Hummers method. The mixture of GO and TiO₂ in water, with the ratio m_TiO2/m_GO = 1/1, was irradiated under an UVC-20W light during different time (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 h). The reduction of GO to graphene was investigated by semi-quantitative infrared spectroscopy and electrical conductivity. Results showed that the reduction of GO reached to the maximum after 5 hours; and the electrical conductivity of the TiO₂/ graphene composite was 0,13 S.cm^-1.