Design and optimization of photocatalytic performance of 3D TiO2 microspheres through Au nanoparticles and rGO co-modification
Abstract
In this work, we develop one facile procedure for microstructure control and surface modification of TiO2 combining Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Firstly, the three-dimensional (3D) TiO2 microspheres are obtained via the self-assembly process of TiO2 nanosheets exposed with {001} facets through the solvothermal process. Taking full advantages of the large surface area, special morphology and {001} high-energy facets simultaneously, the 3D TiO2 microspheres exhibit outstanding photocatalytic activity. Then, the obtained 3D TiO2 microspheres are further co-modified by Au NPs and rGO in order to extend the photoresponse range and improve separation efficiency of photogenerated carrier. When the contents of Au and rGO are 1.0 wt% and 1.5 wt%, respectively, the prepared ternary rGO/Au/TiO2 microspheres exhibit excellent photodegradation rate of methyl orange (MO) in the visible light range. The catalytic activity enhancement can be ascribed to the synergistic effects of the special microstructure of 3D TiO2 microspheres, the strong visible-light absorption due to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of Au, highly efficient charge separation and fast electron transfer resulted from the conductive network of rGO. Our present work develops one facile protocol to design and prepare TiO2-based nanocatalysts, which can exhibit high photocatalytic activity under the illumination of visible light.
- Publication:
-
Materials Research Express
- Pub Date:
- July 2019
- DOI:
- 10.1088/2053-1591/ab1426
- Bibcode:
- 2019MRE.....6g5026A
- Keywords:
-
- TiO2 microspheres;
- exposed {001} facets;
- Au NPs;
- reduced graphene oxide;
- photocatalytic performance