Synthesis of GO supported Fe2O3–TiO2 nanocomposites for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic applications

Abstract

This article reports novel ternary composites consisting of Fe₂O₃ nanorods, TiO₂ nanoparticles, and graphene oxide (GO) flakes that provide enhanced photocatalytic performance and stability. Fe₂O₃ nanorods grow evenly and embed themselves on the agglomerated TiO₂/GO surface, which facilitate the formation of heterojunctions for effective migration of charge carriers at the interface of Fe₂O₃/TiO₂ in the ternary composites. The formation of heterostructured Fe₂O₃–TiO₂/GO composites and the effect of GO addition on the photophysical properties of the composites were systematically investigated using various spectroscopic techniques. The photocatalytic performance of Fe₂O₃ was improved by coupling with TiO₂ in the presence of GO, suggesting uncommon electron transfer from the conduction band of Fe₂O₃ to that of TiO₂via GO under visible-light irradiation. An improved charge separation in the composite materials compared with that in bare Fe₂O₃ was confirmed by drastic fluorescence quenching and stronger absorption in the visible range. The optimum content of GO in the ternary composite was 1.0 wt%, which exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity. The synergistic effect, heterostructured composite and role of GO, as an electron transporter, in the ternary composites account for the enhanced photocatalytic activity.