Ag₂Se-Graphene/TiO₂Nanocomposites, Sonochemical Synthesis and Enhanced Photocatalytic Properties Under Visible Light

Abstract

$Ag_2Se$-Graphene/$TiO_2$ composite was synthesized by a facile sonochemical method. The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrophotometer. During the reaction, both of the reduction of graphene oxide and loading of $Ag_2Se$ and $TiO_2$ particles were achieved. The as-prepared $Ag_2Se$-Graphene/$TiO_2$ composites possessed great adsorptivity of dyes, extended light absorption range, and efficient charge separation properties simultaneously. Hence, in the photodegradation of rhodamine B (Rh.B), a significant enhancement in the reaction rate was observed with $Ag_2Se$-Graphene/$TiO_2$ composites, compared to the pure $TiO_2$. The high activity can be attributed to the synergetic effects of high charge mobility, and red shift in absorption edge of $Ag_2Se$-Graphene/$TiO_2$ composites.