Graphene oxide-supported highly porous TiO2 nanoleaflets for the ultrafast adsorption and photochemical decomposition of 2,4,6-trinitrotolune in water

Abstract

The manufacture of high-energy materials for application in defense, aviation and space programs generates a huge amount of explosive waste, which has adverse effects on natural resources like water and soil. Therefore, concrete steps must be taken for the treatment of explosive waste. Herein, a highly porous nanoleaflet arrangement of TiO₂ nanoparticles on the surface of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was prepared using an aero-gel technique for the treatment of contaminated water. The physico-chemical analysis of the nanocomposite was carried out using SEM, TEM, FTIR, BET surface area, zeta potential and XRD techniques. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized nanocomposite was also evaluated and compared with bare TiO₂ nanoparticles for the degradation of 2,4,6-trinitrotolune (TNT) in water. The fast adsorption equilibrium (within 2.5 min) and a high removal capacity (290 mg g⁻¹) of the composite along with its photodegradation efficiency make it more compatible for the removal of toxicants in the presence as well as in the absence of UV radiation.