Abstract:
We successfully constructed TiO
2-pillared multilayer graphene nanocomposites (T-MLGs) via a facile method as follows: dodecanediamine pre-pillaring, ion exchange (Ti
4+ pillaring), and interlayer
in-situ formation of TiO
2 by hydrothermal method. TiO
2 nanoparticles were distributed uniformly on the graphene interlayer. The special structure combined the advantages of graphene and TiO
2 nanoparticles. As a result, T-MLGs with 64.3wt% TiO
2 showed the optimum photodegradation rate and adsorption capabilities toward ciprofloxacin. The photodegradation rate of T-MLGs with 64.3wt% TiO
2 was 78% under light-emitting diode light irradiation for 150 min. Meanwhile, the pseudo-first-order rate constant of T-MLGs with 64.3wt% TiO
2 was 3.89 times than that of pristine TiO
2. The composites also exhibited high stability and reusability after five consecutive photocatalytic tests. This work provides a facile method to synthesize semiconductor-pillared graphene nanocomposites by replacing TiO
2 nanoparticles with other nanoparticles and a feasible means for sustainable utilization of photocatalysts in wastewater control.