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Purpose The aim of this paper is to synthesize graphene-modified titanium dioxide (GR-TiO2) nanorod arrays nanocomposite films, so that these can enhance the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide and overcome the problem of difficult separation and recovery of photocatalysts.Design/methodology/approach The GR-TiO2 nanocomposite films were synthesized via hydrothermal method and spin-coating. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) diffuse reflectance spectrum and Raman spectrum. The photocatalytic performance of the GR-TiO2 nanocomposite films for degrading Rhodamin B under ultraviolet (UV) was studied by a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The photocatalytic enhancement mechanism of graphene was studied by photoelectrochemical analysis.Findings The introduction of graphene expanded the range of the optical response of TiO2 nanorod arrays, improving the separation efficiency of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs, and thus dramatically increasing its photocatalytic performance.Research limitations/implications A simple and novel way for synthesizing GR-TiO2 nanocomposite films has enhanced the photocatalytic performance of TiO2.Originality/value The photocatalyst synthesized is easy to separate and recycle in the process of photocatalytic reaction, so it is possible to achieve industrialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study microwave-assisted reduction (MrGO) and direct reduction of graphene oxide (rGO) by Ti powders were established, and the effect of the reaction conditions on the reduction were discussed. The results showed that GO can be effectively reduced by both methods, however, microwave assistance can greatly shorten the reduction time. The produced Ti ions from the reaction of Ti powder with GO were transferred to TiO 2 by hydrolysis and formed MrGO/TiO 2 and rGO/TiO 2 . They were used as adsorbents for the removal of methylene blue (MB). MrGO/TiO 2 showed a higher adsorption capacity ( q max , 845.6 mg/g) than rGO/TiO 2 ( q max , 467.6 mg/g). Investigation on the adsorption MB onto MrGO/TiO 2 was conducted and demonstrated that adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo second-order kinetics model and the adsorption isotherm was well described by the Langmuir isotherm model. The recycling of MrGO/TiO 2 was achieved by photocatalytic degradation of MB catalyzed by MrGO/TiO 2 itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphology- and size-controlled synthesis of branched Pt nanostructures on graphene is highly favorable for enhancing the electrocatalytic activity and stability of Pt. Herein, a facile approach is developed for the efficient synthesis of well-dispersed Pt nanoflowers (PtNFs) on the surface of polydopamine (PDA)-modified reduced graphene oxide (PDRGO), denoted as PtNFs/PDRGO, in high yield. The synthesis was performed by a simple heating treatment of an aqueous solution that contained K2PtCl4 and PDA-modified graphene oxide (GO) without the need for any additional reducing agent, seed, surfactant, or organic solvent. The coated PDA serves not only as a reducing agent, but also as cross-linker to anchor and stabilize PtNFs on the PDRGO support. The as-prepared PtNFs/PDRGO hybrid, with spatially and locally separated PtNFs on PDRGO, exhibits superior electrocatalytic activity and stability toward both methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]