LAUSR

In this study, TiO2 nanotubes/reduced graphene oxide (TiO2/rGO) binary nanocomposites were synthesized by electrospinning and hydrothermal reaction in mixed solution of ethanol and deionized water. The microstructures and morphologies of TiO2 nanotubes, graphite oxide (GO) and TiO2/rGO nanocomposites were investigated via Transmission electron microscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–Visual spectrophotometer (UV–Vis), the specific surface areas and pores distribution of samples were measured through N2 adsorption–desorption. The results showed that the TiO2 nanotubes were well combined with rGO sheets and there were Ti–C bonds and Ti–O–C bonds in nanocomposites. The absorption edge of TiO2/rGO nanocomposites shifted to higher wavelengths and improved utilization rate in visible region compared to pure TiO2 nanotubes. The photocatalytic activities of all samples were investigated through photodegradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye under Xenon lamp irradiation and the test results showed that the photocatalytic activities of TiO2/rGO nanocomposites were obviously enhanced. When the mass of rGO ratio was increased to 10%, TiO2/rGO nanocomposites showed the highest photocatalytic activities.