The Property and Photocatalytic Performance Comparison of Graphene, Carbon Nanotube, and C60 Modified TiO2 Nanocomposite Photocatalysts

A series of carbon nanotube, C60, and graphene modified TiO2 nanocomposites were prepared by hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption, UV-Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and Electrochemical impedance spectra were used to characterize the prepared composite materials The results reveal that incorporating TiO2 with carbon materials can extend the adsorption edge of all the TiO2-carbon nanocomposites to the visible light region. The photocatalytic activities were tested in the degradation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) under visible light. No obvious difference in essence was observed in structural and optical properties among three series of carbon modified TiO2 nanocomposites. Three series of carbon materials modified TiO2 composites follow the analogous tentative reaction mechanism for TCP degradation. GR modified TiO2 nanocomposite exhibits the strongest interaction and the most effective interfacial charge transfer among three carbon materials, thus shows the highest electron-hole separation rate, leading to the highest photocatalytic activity and stability