Preparation and photocathodic protection performance of CdSe/reduced graphene oxide/TiO2 composite

• TiO2 nanotubes were decorated with graphene sheets and CdSe nanoparticles.
• The composite can provide effective protection for 304SS under visible light.
• The composite can achieve efficient separation of photo-generated charges.
• The composite can offer a sufficient cathodic protection even in the dark.

CdSe/reduced graphene oxide/TiO2 films that served as photoanodes for cathodic protection application were prepared by electrochemical deposition. Under visible-light illumination, the open-circuit potential of the composite films coupled with 304 stainless steel could shift to a more negative value and offer an effective photocathodic protection for stainless steel. Moreover, the composite also exhibited stronger photocurrents and greater absorption of solar energy compared to that of pure TiO2 films. The composite can also offer a sufficient cathodic protection even in the dark. In summary, the reduced graphene oxide/CdSe could greatly improve the photocathodic protection properties of TiO2 films.