Compositing two-dimensional materials with TiO2 for photocatalysis

Abstract

Energy shortage and environmental pollution problems boost in recent years. Photocatalytic technology is one of the most effective ways to produce clean energy—hydrogen and degrade pollutants under moderate conditions and thus attracts considerable attentions. TiO2 is considered one of the best photocatalysts because of its well-behaved photo-corrosion resistance and catalytic activity. However, the traditional TiO2 photocatalyst suffers from limitations of ineffective use of sunlight and rapid carrier recombination rate, which severely suppress its applications in photocatalysis. Surface modification and hybridization of TiO2 has been developed as an effective method to improve its photocatalysis activity. Due to superior physical and chemical properties such as high surface area, suitable bandgap, structural stability and high charge mobility, two-dimensional (2D) material is an ideal modifier composited with TiO2 to achieve enhanced photocatalysis process. In this review, we summarized the preparation methods of 2D material/TiO2 hybrid and drilled down into the role of 2D materials in photocatalysis activities.