Fabrication of TiO(2) Nanosheet Aarrays/Graphene/Cu(2)O Composite Structure for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activities

TiO(2) NSAs/graphene/Cu(2)O was fabricated on the carbon fiber to use as photocastalysts by coating Cu(2)O on the graphene (G) decorated TiO(2) nanosheet arrays (NSAs). The research focus on constructing the composite structure and investigating the reason to enhance the photocatalytic ability. The morphological, structural, and photocatalytic properties of the as-synthesized products were characterized. The experimental results indicate that the better photocatalytic performance is ascribed to the following reasons. First, the TiO(2) NSAs/graphene/Cu(2)O composite structure fabricated on the carbon cloth can form a 3D structure which can provide a higher specific surface area and enhance the light absorption. Second, the graphene as an electron sink can accept the photoelectrons from the photoexcited Cu(2)O which will reduce the recombination. Third, the TiO(2) nanosheet can provide more favorable carrier transportation channel which can reduce the recombination of carriers. Finally, the Cu(2)O can extend the light absorption range.