Uniform distribution of TiO2 nanocrystals on reduced graphene oxide sheets by the chelating ligands

► Reduced graphene oxide-TiO2 hybrids were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. ► Triethanolamine and acetylacetone were used as the chelating agents (CAs). ► The presence of CAs facilitated the regular spread of TiO2 onto exfoliated RGO sheets. ► Photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B was significantly enhanced.