Fabrication of TiO2 Nanosheet Aarrays/Graphene/Cu2O Composite Structure for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activities

Abstract

TiO2 NSAs/graphene/Cu2O was fabricated on the carbon fiber to use as photocastalysts by coating Cu2O on the graphene (G) decorated TiO2 nanosheet arrays (NSAs). The research focus on constructing the composite structure and investigating the reason to enhance the photocatalytic ability. The morphological, structural, and photocatalytic properties of the as-synthesized products were characterized. The experimental results indicate that the better photocatalytic performance is ascribed to the following reasons. First, the TiO2 NSAs/graphene/Cu2O composite structure fabricated on the carbon cloth can form a 3D structure which can provide a higher specific surface area and enhance the light absorption. Second, the graphene as an electron sink can accept the photoelectrons from the photoexcited Cu2O which will reduce the recombination. Third, the TiO2 nanosheet can provide more favorable carrier transportation channel which can reduce the recombination of carriers. Finally, the Cu2O can extend the light absorption range.