A novel “gel-sol” strategy to synthesize TiO2 nanorod combining reduced graphene oxide composites

In this study, a novel so-called “gel-sol” process is firstly reported for synthesis of TiO2 nanorod (TN) combining reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composites. By utilizing the triethanolamine (TEOA) as shape controller and under specific conditions (such as pH=12), the hybrid composites can be readily obtained. The higher pH value benefits the deprotonation of TEOA for adsorption to the stationary nuclei. Therefore, the synthesized hybrid composites have the morphology of crystalline anatase TiO2 nanorods anchored into the surface of reduced graphene oxide. The hybrid composites fabricated by the novel process have distinct advantages over the traditional methods for obtaining TiO2 and graphene-based composites in terms of the well-confined TiO2 morphology and the formation of Ti-C bonds between TN and RGO simultaneously.