Preparation and photocatalytic activity of TiO2-exfoliated graphite oxide composite using an ecofriendly graphite oxidation method

• Published in: Applied surface science Vol. 359; pp. 868 - 874
• Main Authors: Baldissarelli, Vanessa Zanon, de Souza, Thiago, Andrade, Luisa, Oliveira, Luiz Fernando Cappa de, José, Humberto Jorge, Moreira, Regina de Fátima Peralta Muniz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 30-12-2015
• Subjects: Bleaching; Composite; Exfoliated graphite oxide; Exfoliation; Graphite; Heat treatment; Methylene blue; Oxides; Photocatalysis; Surface chemistry; TiO2; Titanium dioxide; Composite; Exfoliated graphite oxide; Photocatalysis; TiO2; Methylene blue
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2015.10.199

•A simple and innovative method to produce exfoliated graphite oxide (EGO) and TiO2-EGO composites.•Ozonation followed by thermal treatment produces a graphite-like structure containing oxygen and sp3 carbon.•TiO2-EGO composites are useful photocatalysts to degrade organic compounds.
A simple and effective stepwise-method was developed to produce expanded exfoliated graphite oxide (EGO). Using a combination of ozone exposure and thermal treatment we demonstrate that a graphite surface can be modified to generate a graphene-like surface containing oxygen and sp3 carbon. This expanded exfoliated graphite oxide is useful for the production, through thermal treatment, of photocatalytic TiO2-EGO composites which are more active than those produce by the Hummers method. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2-EGO in methylene blue (MB) bleaching under UV light is enhanced in comparison with TiO2 P25.