Enhanced chemical interaction between TiO2 and graphene oxide for photocatalytic decolorization of methylene blue

We have reported a simple strategy for the improvement of chemically anchoring TiO2 nanoparticles onto graphene, which was used as a visible-light responsive photocatalyst for decolorizing methylene blue. The characterization results indicated that the functional groups of graphene oxide (GO) could adsorb and react with Ti(OH)x complex by chemical interactions, such as chemiadsorption, electronegativity and coordination, benefiting for well anchoring TiO2. Full and intimate coverage of TiO2 on graphene sheets has significantly enhanced their photocatalytic activity under visible light due to the existence of chemical bonds (Ti–C and Ti–O–C), while there is no such enhancement under UV light.

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► A new strategy for further improving visible response of graphene/TiO2 was reported.
► High degree oxidation of graphene oxide enhanced chemical action between graphene and TiO2.
► The enhancement can be ascribed to strong chemical bonds at the graphene/TiO2 interface.
► The approach is possible applied for anchoring of other metal or metal oxide onto graphene.