Fabrication and Photocatalytic Properties of TiO₂/Reduced Graphene Oxide/Ag Nanocomposites with UV/Vis Response

Abstract

Abstract Novel one‐dimensional TiO 2 nanofibers/reduced graphene oxide/Ag nanoparticles (TiO 2 /rGO/Ag) nanocomposite photocatalysts with UV/Vis response properties were fabricated by wrapping rGO sheets around TiO 2 nanofibers and then loading Ag nanoparticles onto the surfaces of TiO 2 /rGO. The prepared samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities of the samples were evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of an aqueous solution of rhodamine B (RhB) under UV/Vis light irradiation. The results showed that the introduction of rGO and Ag greatly improved the photocatalytic activity of the TiO 2 nanofibers, and this enhancement was attributed to the hybridization of rGO possessing specific electronic effects and Ag nanoparticles showing surface plasmon resonance effects. As a consequence, extension of the absorption spectrum to the visible region and efficient restriction of the recombination of photogenerated carriers were achieved.