Homogeneous anchoring of TiO2 nanoparticles on graphene sheets for waste water treatment

Photocatalytic properties of TiO2 nanoparticles are limited due to their UV light response as well as rapid recombination of the generated electron–hole pairs. With the formation of an interface between TiO2 and graphene sheets there is a decrease in the electron–hole recombination rate. A homogeneous anchoring of TiO2 nanoparticles on graphene sheets was achieved via esterification between hydroxyl groups of TiO2 and carboxylic groups of graphene acid. The reduction of Cr (VI) to Cr (III) in sunlight shows an optimized photocatalytic reduction for 5% graphene loading in TiO2.

► Preparation of graphene acid.
► Homogenous anchoring of TiO2 nanoparticles on a graphene surface.
► Photocatalytic remediation of Cr (VI) in wastewater.