Facile fabrication of TiO2/Graphene composite foams with enhanced photocatalytic properties

A self-supporting macroporous graphene foam was prepared by template method. This foam which was fabricated by reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has good conductivity, and it also has large surface both in the foam interior and outside surface. The surface can offer a good platform to introduce active materials into the foam. TiO2 nanorods were grown on the foam framework using hydrothermal synthesized method. Due to a well-ordered macroporous structure and high conductivity of the reduced graphene oxide scaffold, the light utilizing in the composite TiO2/rGO foam will increase, and the photoinduced electron also transports quickly to the substrate. These advantages resulted in a better photocurrent response. Furthermore, the well photo induced electron transports will also lead to better photocatalytic degradation property. The enhanced absorption performance, photocurrent response, photocatalytic degradation property of composite TiO2/rGO foam will make this foam a promising material for practical applications in the environmental protection field.