Bandgap Variations and Photodegradation Efficiency on Inclusion of SiO2in TiO2-rGO Nanocomposite for High Performance Photocatalysis

Abstract

SiO2 is an excellent support material due to its flexible pore size and can be used as an adsorbent for the removal of toxic materials from water. Nanocrystalline TiO2-rGO is previously reported to show complete photodegradation for azo dyes. In pursuit of enhancing the adsorption capability of the system, we have incorporated SiO2 in TiO2-rGO nanocomposite which has drastically reduced the crystallinity of the matrix. Analysis of the bandgap variations is pursued here, which is crucial for enhanced light absorption and high performance photocatalysis.