TiO_2 nanotube arrays co-loaded with Au nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide: Facile synthesis and promising photocatalytic application

摘要

Au nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide co-loaded TiO_2 nanotube arrays (Au/RGO-TiO_2 NTs) were prepared through a simple one-step constant-potential electrolysis of chloroauric acid and graphene oxide on TiO_2 NTs. Compared with Au-TiO_2 NTs, RGO-TiO_2 NTs and un-modified TiO_2 NTs, the Au/ RGO-TiO_2 NTs exhibited high efficiency in photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) under simulated solar light irradiation. The highly efficient photocatalytic activity is associated with broad absorption in the visible light region, increased photoinduced charge separation through transferring photogenerated electrons from TiO_2 NTs to both Au and RGO, as well as the strong adsorption ability of RGO to MO molecules. Moreover, the Au/RG0-TiO_2 NTs has an excellent stability. This work provides an insight into designing and synthesizing new TiO_2 NTs-based hybrid materials for effective visible light-activated photocatalysis.