Synergetic effect of graphene and Co(OH)2 as cocatalysts of TiO2 nanotubes for enhanced photogenerated cathodic protection

摘要

A layer of graphene(GR)particles was successfully deposited at the interface between Co(OH)2 nanoparticles and TiO2 nanotubes,aiming to improve the photoelectrochemical performance of the large-bandgap semiconductor TiO2.The obtained Co(OH)2/GR/TiO2 was extensively characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),UV–vis absorption spectra and photoluminescence(PL)emission spectra.Electrochemical impedance spectra,photogenerated potential-time(E-t),photocurrent density-time(i-t)and i-E curves and open circuit potential(OCP)curves were measured to investigate the photoelectrochemical activities and photogenerated cathodic protection properties.The results revealed that Co(OH)2/GR/TiO2 exhibits excellent photoelectrochemical and photogenerated cathodic performance due to synergistic effect between Co(OH)2 and graphene.Co(OH)2 and graphene co-modified TiO2 photoanode could provide an effective protection for 304 stainless steel(304 SS)in 3.5 wt%Na Cl solution for 12 h,which would be promising for future practical applications in the field of marine corrosion protection.