Preparation of Graphene–TiO2 nanotubes/nanofibers composites as an enhanced visible light photocatalyst using a hybrid synthetic strategy

We demonstrate the design and fabrication of graphene–TiO2 nanocomposites (graphene–TiO2 nanotubes and graphene–TiO2 nanofibers) prepared by using a hybrid synthetic strategy. Graphene–TiO2 nanotubes show higher photocatalytic efficiency than graphene–TiO2 nanofibers and the bare TiO2 nanomaterials under visible light irradiation for degradation of rhodamine B (RhB), which is arising from the light-trapping effect and the incorporation of graphene. Graphene can promote the separation and transportation of photo-generated carriers in graphene–TiO2 nanotubes due to its excellent electrical property. Moreover, it is found that graphene–TiO2 nanotubes prepared by hydrothermal treatment for 3 h yield the best photocatalytic performance.