Synthesis of graphene/tourmaline/TiO_2 composites with enhanced activity for photocatalytic degradation of 2-propanol

We report the construction of a graphene/tourmaline/TiO2(G/T/TiO2)composite system with enhanced charge‐carrier separation,and therefore enhanced photocatalytic properties,based on tailoring the surface‐charged state of graphene and/or by introducing an external electric field arising from tourmaline.A simple two‐step hydrothermal method was used to synthesize G/T/TiO2composites and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)‐G/T/TiO2composites.In the photocatalytic degradation of2‐propanol(IPA),the catalytic activity of the composite containing negatively charged graphene was higher than of the composite containing positively charged graphene.The highest acetone evolution rate(223?mol/h)was achieved using the ternary composite with the optimum composition,i.e.,G0.5/T5/TiO2(0.5wt%graphene and5wt%tourmaline).The involvement of tourmaline and graphene in the composite is believed to facilitate the separation and transportation of electrons and holes photogenerated in TiO2.This synergetic effect could account for the enhanced photocatalytic activity of the G/T/TiO2composite.A mechanistic study indicated that O2??radicals and holes were the main reactive oxygen species in photocatalytic degradation of IPA.

TiO2-PES Fibrous Composite Material for Ammonia Removal Using UV-A Photocatalyst

This study focused on the development and characterization of TiO2-PES composite fibers with varying TiO2 loading amounts using a phase inversion process. The resulting composite fibers exhibited a sponge-like structure with embedded TiO2 nanoparticles within a polymer matrix. Their photocatalytic performance for ammonia removal from aqueous solutions under UV-A light exposure was thoroughly investigated. The findings revealed that PeTi8 composite fibers displayed superior adsorption capacity compared to other samples. Moreover, the study explored the impact of pH, light intensity, and catalyst dosage on the photocatalytic degradation of ammonia. Adsorption equilibrium isotherms closely followed the Langmuir model, with the results indicating a correlation between qm values of 2.49 mg/g and the porous structure of the adsorbents. The research underscored the efficacy of TiO2 composite fibers in the photocatalytic removal of aqueous under UV-A light. Notably, increasing the distance between the photocatalyst and the light source resulted in de-creased hydroxyl radical concentration, influencing photocatalytic efficiency. These findings contribute to our understanding of TiO2 composite fibers as promising photocatalysts for ammonia removal in water treatment applications.

Enabling High-Performance Sodium Battery Anodes by Complete Reduction of Graphene Oxide and Cooperative In-Situ Crystallization of Ultrafine SnO_(2)Nanocrystals

The main bottleneck against industrial utilization of sodium ion batteries(SIBs)is the lack of high-capacity electrodes to rival those of the benchmark lithium ion batteries(LIBs).Here in this work,we have developed an economical method for in situ fabrication of nanocomposites made of crystalline few-layer graphene sheets loaded with ultrafine SnO_(2)nanocrystals,using short exposure of microwave to xerogel of graphene oxide(GO)and tin tetrachloride containing minute catalyzing dispersoids of chemically reduced GO(RGO).The resultant nanocomposites(SnO_(2)@MWG)enabled significantly quickened redox processes as SIB anode,which led to remarkable full anode-specific capacity reaching 538 mAh g^(−1)at 0.05 A g^(−1)(about 1.45 times of the theoretical capacity of graphite for the LIB),in addition to outstanding rate performance over prolonged charge–discharge cycling.Anodes based on the optimized SnO_(2)@MWG delivered stable performance over 2000 cycles even at a high current density of 5 A g^(−1),and capacity retention of over 70.4%was maintained at a high areal loading of 3.4 mg cm^(−2),highly desirable for high energy density SIBs to rival the current benchmark LIBs.

TiO_2/graphene nanocomposites as anode materials for high rate lithium-ion batteries

A simple strategy to prepare a hybrid of nanocomposites of anatase TiO2/graphene nanosheets （GNS） as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries was reported.The morphology and crystal structure were studied by X-ray diffraction （XRD）,field emission scanning electron microscopy （FE-SEM） and transmission electron microscopy （TEM）.The electrochemical performance was evaluated by galvanostatic charge-lischarge tests and alternating current （AC） impedance spectroscopy.The results show that the TiO2/GNS electrode exhibit higher electrochemical performance than that of TiO2 electrode regardless of the rate.Even at 500 mA/g,the capacity of TiO2/GNS is 120.3 mAh/g,which is higher than that of TiO2 61.6 mAh/g.The high performance is attributed to the addition of graphene to improve electrical conductivity and reduce polarization.

Microstructures and interfacial interactions of Al_(2)O_(3)whiskers and graphene nano-platelets co-reinforced copper matrix composites

The mechanical properties and microstructures of Al_(2)O_(3)whiskers and graphene nano-platelets(GNPs)co-reinforced Cu-matrix composites were studied.Cu-matrix composites with a variation of GNPs amount were fabricated by mechanical alloying followed by vacuum hot-pressing sintering and hot isostatic pressing.The Cu-matrix composite with 0.5 wt.%GNPs(GNPs-0.5)suggests a good interfacial bonding of both Cu/C and Cu/Al_(2)O_(3)interfaces.Both the hardness and compressive strength of Cu-matrix composites show a consistent tendency that firstly increases to a critical value and then decreases with increasing GNPs amount.It is suggested that the most possible strengthening mechanisms of both GNPs and Al_(2)O_(3)whisker working in the Cu-matrix composites involve energy dissipating and load transfer,as well as grain refinements for GNPs.The synergetic effect of GNPs and Al_(2)O_(3)whiskers is highlighted that the embedded GNPs would hinder the crack path generated at the Al_(2)O_(3)/Cu interface and enhance the already outstanding strengthening effect that Al_(2)O_(3)whiskers provide.

TiO_(2)/石墨烯基复合材料的制备及光催化降解染料研究

采用改进Hummers法制备氧化石墨烯(GO)和水解法制备的TiO_(2)及溶剂热法制备了还原氧化石墨烯(rGO)和一系列不同浓度的rGO/TiO_(2)纳米复合材料(0、5%、10%、15%、20%质量分数),并对合成产物进行SEM、XRD、XPS、DRS、Raman等表征,研究不同实验条件下纯TiO_(2)和rGO/TiO_(2)复合催化剂对亚甲基蓝染液(MB)的降解效果。结果表明,复合光催化剂中TiO_(2)主要为锐钛矿相,溶剂热合成引入的还原氧化石墨烯(rGO)对TiO_(2)的物相没有产生影响,rGO的引入使得rGO/TiO_(2)吸收带发生一定红移,TiO_(2)禁带宽度由3.23降低至3.09 eV;合成的(15%质量分数)rGO/TiO_(2)具有最佳的光催化效果,光催化活性最高,在100 W高压汞灯照射下70 min对20 mg/L的亚甲基蓝染料的降解率达97.6%;在500 W氙灯光源下照射70 min对20 mg/L亚甲基蓝染料的降解率达到93.2%,(15%质量分数)rGO/TiO_(2)复合光催化剂具有良好的光催化降解性及循环稳定性,5次循环光催化降解后,rGO/TiO_(2)有86.1%的降解效率。表现出了优异的吸附和光催化性能,这可为光催化处理废液提供了一种有效的方法。

Preparation of TiO2 Nanocrystals/Graphene Composite and Its Photocatalytic Performance

TiO2 nanocrystals/graphene （TiO2/GR） composite are prepared by combining flocculation and hydrothermal reduction technology using graphite oxide and TiO2 colloid as precursors. The obtained materials are examined by scanning electron microscopy, transition electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption desorption, and ultraviolet-visible diffuse spectroscopy. The results suggest that the presence of TiO2 nanocrystals with diameter of about 15 nm prevents GR nanosheets from agglomeration. Owing to the uniform distribution of TiO2 nanocrystals on the GR nanosheets, TiO2/GR composite exhibits stronger light absorption in the visible region, higher adsorption capacity to methylene blue and higher efficiency of charge separation and transportation compared with pure TiO2. Moreover, the TiO2/GR composite with a GR content of 30% shows higher photocatalytic removal efficiency of MB from water than that of pure TiO2 and commercial P25 under both UV and sunlight irradiation.

Photocatalytic activity and kinetics for acid yellow degradation over surface composites of TiO_2-coated activated carbon under different photocatalytic conditions

TiO2-coated activated carbon surface （TAs） composites were prepared by a sol-gel method with supercritical pretreatment. The photocatalytic degradation of acid yellow （AY） was investigated under UV radiation to estimate activity of catalysts and determine the kinetics. And the effects of parameters including the initial concentration of AY, light intensity and TiO2 content in catalysts were examined. The results indicate that TAs has a higher efficiency in decomposition of AY than P25, pure TiO2 particles as well as the mixture of TiO2 powder and active carbon. The photocatalytic degradation rate is found to follow the pseudo-first order kinetics with respect to the AY concentration. The new kinetic model fairly resembles the classic Langmuir-Hinshelwood equation, and the rate constant is proportional to the square root of the light intensity in a wide range. However, its absorption performance depends on the surface areas of catalysts. The model fits quite well with the experimental data and elucidates phenomena about the effects of the TiO2 content in TAs on the degradation rate.

PBST/TiO_(2)/MgO复合薄膜的制备及性能

采用硅烷偶联剂γ-甲基丙烯酰氧基丙基三甲氧基硅烷(KH-570)对TiO_(2)/MgO NPs改性,采用溶液共混法制备了聚丁二酸-共-对苯二甲酸丁二醇酯(PBST)/TiO_(2)/MgO NPs纳米复合薄膜,并探讨了其在食品包装方面的应用。研究了改性TiO_(2)/MgO NPs对PBST基体机械、阻隔、抗菌和保鲜性能的影响。结果表明:复合膜的抗拉强度和水蒸汽透过率分别为29.39MPa和2.43×10^(-11) g·m/(m^(2)·s·Pa),相较PBST基体抗拉强度提高了24.32%,水蒸汽透过率降低了32.37%,且对金黄色葡萄球菌(S.aures)和大肠杆菌(E.coli)抑菌效果显著,分别达到98.7%和97.2%,并对圣女果有良好的保鲜性能,当改性后的TiO_(2)/MgO NPs质量含量为5%时,复合薄膜的性能最佳。

TiO_2/polyaniline composites:An efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of methylene blue under natural light

Polyaniline （PAn） sensitized nanocrystalline TiO2 composites （TiO2/PAn） were successfully prepared and used as an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of dye methylene blue （MB）. The results showed that PAn was able to sensitize TiO2 efficiently and the composite photocatalyst could be activated by absorbing both the ultraviolet and visible light （λ： 190 ～ 800 nm）, whereas pure TiO2 absorbed ultraviolet light only （λ 〈 380 nm）. Under the irradiation of natural light, MB could be degraded more efficiently on the TiO2/PAn composites than on the TiO2 Furthermore, it could be easily separated from the solution by simple sedimentation.

Non‑Magnetic Bimetallic MOF‑Derived Porous Carbon‑Wrapped TiO2/ ZrTiO4 Composites for Efficient Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

Modern communication technologies put forward higher requirements for electromagnetic wave(EMW)absorption materials.Metal-organic framework(MOF)derivatives have been widely concerned with its diverse advantages.To break the mindset of magneticderivative design,and make up the shortage of monometallic non-magnetic derivatives,we first try non-magnetic bimetallic MOFs derivatives to achieve efficient EMW absorption.The porous carbon-wrapped TiO2/ZrTiO4 composites derived from PCN-415(TiZr-MOFs)are qualified with a minimum reflection loss of−67.8 dB(2.16 mm,13.0 GHz),and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth of 5.9 GHz(2.70 mm).Through in-depth discussions,the synergy of enhanced interfacial polarization and other attenuation mechanisms in the composites is revealed.Therefore,this work confirms the huge potentials of nonmagnetic bimetallic MOFs derivatives in EMW absorption applications.

Confining TiO_2 Nanotubes in PECVD-Enabled Graphene Capsules Toward Ultrafast K-Ion Storage: In Situ TEM/XRD Study and DFT Analysis

Titanium dioxide(TiO2) has gained burgeoning attention for potassium-ion storage because of its large theoretical capacity,wide availability,and environmental benignity.Nevertheless,the inherently poor conductivity gives rise to its sluggish reaction kinetics and inferior rate capability.Here,we report the direct graphene growth over TiO2 nanotubes by virtue of chemical vapor deposition.Such conformal graphene coatings effectively enhance the conductive environment and well accommodate the volume change of TiO2 upon potassiation/depotassiation.When paired with an activated carbon cathode,the graphene-armored TiO2 nanotubes allow the potassium-ion hybrid capacitor full cells to harvest an energy/power density of 81.2 Wh kg-1/3746.6 W kg-1.We further employ in situ transmis sion electron microscopy and ope rando X-ray diffraction to probe the potassium-ion storage behavior.This work offers a viable and versatile solution to the anode design and in situ probing of potassium storage technologies that is readily promising for practical applications.

Synthesis and Optimization of TiO_(2)/Graphene with Exposed {001} Facets Based on Response Surface Methodology and Evaluation of Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

Response surface methodology(RSM)was employed to optimize the control parameters of TiO_(2)/graphene with exposed{001}facets during synthesis,and its enhanced photocatalytic activities were evaluated in the photodegradation of toluene.Experimental results were in good agreement with the predicted results obtained using RSM with a correlation coefficient(R^(2))of 0.9345.When 22.06 mg of graphite oxide(GO)and 2.09 mL of hydrofluoric acid(HF)were added and a hydrothermal time of 28 h was used,a maximum efficiency in the degradation of toluene was achieved.X-ray diffraction(XRD),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),and scanning electron microscopy(SEM)were employed to characterize the obtained hybrid photocatalyst.The electron transferred between Ti and C retarded the combination of electron–hole pairs and hastened the transferring of electrons,which enhanced the photocatalytic activity.

The Effects of TiO2 Particle Size on the Properties of PTFE/TiO2 Composites

TiO2 filled polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite were fabricated for microwave circuit applications. PTFE/TiO2 composites were prepared by cold pressing and hot treating. The particle size of TiO2 varied from 5 μm to 11 μm.TiO2 powders with different sizes were prepared by the solid state ceramic route. The effects of TiO2 particle size on the microstructure, density, moisture absorption, thermal conductivity and microwave dielectric properties of PTFE/TiO2 composites were investigated. The density showed an increasing trend as the TiO2 particle size increased, while the dielectric loss (tanδ) and moisture absorption decreased with the increase of TiO2 particle size. The dielectric constant (εr) and thermal conductivity (λ) decreased up to D50 = 6.5 μm and then sharply increased. Good properties with values of εr = 6.8, tanδ = 0.0012 and λ = 0.533 W?m?1?K?1 were obtained in PTFE/TiO2 composites when the particle size of TiO2 was 11 μm.

Catalytic performance and synthesis of a Pt/graphene-TiO_2 catalyst using an environmentally friendly microwave-assisted solvothermal method

A Pt/graphene‐TiO2catalyst was prepared by a microwave‐assisted solvothermal method and was characterized by X‐ray diffraction,scanning electron microscopy,transmission electron microscopy,cyclic voltammetry,and linear sweep voltammetry.The cubic TiO2particles were approximately60nm in size and were distributed on the graphene sheets.The Pt nanoparticles were uniformly distributed between the TiO2particles and the graphene sheet.The catalyst exhibited a significant improvement in activity and stability towards the oxygen reduction reaction compared with Pt/C,which resulted from the high electronic conductivity of graphene and strong metal‐support interactions.

String and Ball-Like TiO_2/rGO Composites with High Photo-catalysis Degradation Capability for Methylene Blue

Novelthree-dimensionalstring and ball-like titanium dioxide/reduced graphene oxide, TiO_2/rGO(STG) composites were prepared using a one-step hydrolysis process followed by a low-temperature hydrothermaltreatment. The STG composites exhibited excellent photo-catalytic degradation performance for methylene blue owing to a good synergistic effect between TiO_2 and rGO. The STG composites with 1.0 wt% of rGO loading exhibited the highest removalrate of 86.0% for methylene blue and its reaction rate constant(5.27 × 10^(-3) min^(-1)) was much higher than those of pure string and ball-like TiO_2(ST). In addition, the STG composites also showed an outstanding capability for the photo-catalysis degradation of other cationic dyes. In addition, a possible photo-catalytic degradation mechanism for the STG composite was postulated, in which~?O_2^- and~·OH were the main oxidizing groups. This work of fers new insights into a better design and preparation of novelcomposite materials for the removalof organic dyes.

Reduction Band Gap Energy of TiO₂Assembled with Graphene Oxide Nanosheets

This research work aims to reduce the band gap of thin layers of titanium oxide by the incorporation of graphene oxide sheets. Thin layers of the TiO2-GO composites were prepared on a glass substrate by the spin-coating technique from GO and an aqueous solution of TiO2. A significant decrease in optical band gap was observed at the TiO2-GO compound compared to that of pure TiO2. Samples as prepared were characterized using XRD, SEM and UV-visible spectra. XRD analysis revealed the amorphous nature of the deposited layers. Scanning electron microscope reveals the dispersion of graphene nanofiles among titanium oxide nanoparticles distributed at the surface with an almost uniform size distribution. The band gap has been calculated and is around 2 eV after incorporation of Graphene oxide. The chemical bond C-Ti between the titanium oxide and graphene sheets is at the origin of this reduction.

Thermal and Structural Analyses of PMMA/TiO₂Nanoparticles Composites

In the present work, composites of poly (methyl methacrylate)/titanium oxide nanoparticles (100/0, 97.5/2.5, 95/5, 92.5/7.5, 90/10 and 0/100 wt/wt%)were prepared to be used as bioequivalent materials according to their importance broad practical and medical applications. Thermal properties as well as X-ray diffraction analyses were employed to characterize the structure properties of such composite. The obtained results showed variations in the glass transition temperature (Tg), the melting temperature (Tm), shape and area of thermal peaks which were attributed to the different degrees of crystallinity and the existence of interactions between PMMA and TiO2 nanoparticle molecules. The XRD patterns showed sharpening of peaks at different concentrations of nano-TiO2 powder with PMMA. This indicated changes in the crystallinity/amorphosity ratio, and also suggested that the miscibility between the amorphous components of homo- polymers PMMA and nano-TiO2 powder is possible.The results showed that nano-TiO2 powder mix with PMMA can improve the thermal stability of the homo-polymer under investigation, lead- ing to interesting technological applications.

Facile fabrication of TiO_2 nanoparticle–TiO_2 nanofiber composites by co-electrospinning–electrospraying for dye-sensitized solar cells

We report a facile method for the fabrication of TiO2 nanofiber-nanoparticle composite （FP） via. simulta- neous electrospraying and electrospinning for dye-sensitized solar cell （DSC） applications. The loading of nanoparticles on the fibers is controlled by varying their feed rates during electrospinning. The FP composites having three different particle loading are prepared by the methodology and the FP with the highest particle loading （denoted as FP-3 in the manuscript） showed the best overall efficiency of 9.15% in comparison to the other compositions of the FP （FP-2, 8.15% and FP-1, Z51%, respectively） and nanofibers （F） and nanoparticles （P） separately （7.21 and 7.81, respectively）. All the material systems are characterized by spec- troscopy, microscopy, surface area measurements and the devices are characterized by current-voltage （I-V）, incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency （IPCE）, electrochemical impedance measurements, etc. I-V, dye-loading and reflectance measurements throw light on the overall performance of the DSC devices.

Double Hydrothermal Synthesis of Graphene Supported TiO_2(b)Nanosheets as Anode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries

The synthesis of graphene supported TiO2（b） nanosheets by a double hydrother- mal method for lithium storage was reported. The titanate nanosheets synthesized by the first hydrothermal progress and the graphene oxide obtained by the oxidation of graphite were hydrothermally treated together to fabricate the TiO2（b）/graphene composite. The electrochemical measurements illustrate that the graphene supporter obviously improves the cyclic performance of TiO2（b）, which can be attributed to the better dispersion and the decrease of resistance for the TiO2（b） nanosheets in the composite.