One-pot microwave-assisted combustion synthesis of graphene oxide–TiO2 hybrids for photodegradation of methyl orange

Graphene oxide (GO)–TiO2 hybrids (GTHs) were synthesized by a one-pot microwave-assistant combustion method. The structures, morphologies, and photocatalytic properties of samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectra, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and photoluminescence. The effects of microwave irradiation time and GO content on the photocatalystic performances of as-synthesized GTHs for methyl orange were investigated. The experimental results show that reduction of GO, synthesis of TiO2, and nitrogen doping of TiO2 and graphene can be achieved simultaneously during the combustion process. GTHs showed improved photocatalystic properties than neat TiO2, due to the effective transfer of photo-generated electron from TiO2 to GO and improved absorbance performance of GTHs. Moreover, the photostability of GTHs was characterized.

► GO–TiO2 hybrids were synthesized by a microwave-assistant combustion method.
► Reduction of GO, and nitrogen doping of TiO2 and graphene were one-pot achieved.
► GO–TiO2 hybrids show improved photocatalystic properties and photostability.