Seed-induced synthesis of durian-like mischcrystal TiO₂/graphene as an efficient photocatalyst for desulfurization

Abstract

An efficient heterostructure, compactly durian-like mischcrystal TiO₂/graphene containing the anatase and rutile phase, was prepared via a seed-induced synthesis. The TiO₂ seed crystal on the surface of graphene plays a vital role in the formation of durian-like mischcrystal TiO₂/graphene. The scattered rutile-TiO₂ nanoparticles interspersed on the crystal planes of anatase-TiO₂ tetrahedron. This novel configuration improved the BET specific surface area to 71.28 m²/g and the visible light response range of multiphase TiO₂/graphene. The heterostructure and the synergistic effect between the anatase and rutile TiO₂ could transfer the electron, leading to suppress the electron-hole recombination. After 3 h irradiation, the desulfurization rate of durian-like mischcrystal TiO₂/graphene photocatalyst reached 83.5% for dibenzothiophene.

Keywords:

• Durian-like
• grapheme
• mischcrystal TiO₂
• photocatalytic desulfurization
• seed-induced synthesis

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Natural Science Foundation of Huaian City (grant no. HAB201952), and Science and Technology Support Program of Changzhou City (grant no. CE20215031).