Construction of TiO_(2)-pillared multilayer graphene nanocomposites as efficient photocatalysts for ciprofloxacin degradation

We successfully constructed TiO_(2)-pillared multilayer graphene nanocomposites(T-MLGs)via a facile method as follows:dodecanediamine pre-pillaring,ion exchange(Ti4+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 pseudofirst-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.

Enhancing electrolyte ion diffusion via direct ink writing pillar array structure of graphene electrodes for high-performance microsupercapacitors

The graphene-based microsupercapacitors(MSCs)suffer from graphene aggregation issue in electrodes.It reduces the electrolyte ions transportation in the electrodes to degrade the charge storage ability of MSCs,hampering their practical application.Increasing the electrolyte ions transportation in the electrodes can boost the charge storage ability of MSCs.Herein,we design and experimentally realize pillar array structure of graphene electrodes for MSCs by direct ink writing technology.The graphene electrodes with pillar array structure increase the contact area with electrolyte and short the electrolyte ions transport path,facilitating electrolyte ions transport in electrodes.The MSCs exhibit high areal capacitance of 25.67 mF·cm^(−2),high areal energy density of 20.54μWh·cm^(−2),and high power density of 1.45 mW·cm^(−2).One single MSCs can power timer for 10 min and pressure sensor more than 160 min,showing high practical application possibility.This work provides a new avenue for developing high performance MSCs.