Efficient gaseous toluene photoconversion on graphene-titanium dioxide nanocomposites with dominate exposed {001} facets.

A series of GnTiO2 {001} nanocomposites (GTN) with dominate exposed {001} facets has been synthesized by various dosage of graphite oxide (GO) and hydrofluoric acid (HF) during a facile solvothermal process successfully. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency (PDE) of the optimal sample reached up to 98.7% for liquids methyl orange and up to 78.6% for gaseous toluene under the UV-light irradiation for 30 min, which is much higher than P25. The effects mechanism of HF and GO on the percentage of {001} facets exposed and the crystal morphology are investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM, UV-Vis, XPS and BET measurement, particularly. Cyclic voltammograms (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to explore the electron transfer mechanisms of GnTiO2 {001} nanocomposites. These results reveal the enhanced photocatalytic properties attribute to the excellent electron transport of Gn and highly reactive {001} facets can facilitate the separation of photo-generated charge carriers. Moreover, Gn can extend the absorption range of light and improve the adsorptivity of pollutant molecules.