TiO₂/graphene heterostructure for interfacial electron transfer and its application in enhancing photocatalytic performance

This study explores the synthesis and application of a TiO₂/graphene composite as an innovative photocatalyst for efficient degradation of Rhodamine B and total phosphorus under UV light (365 nm). By leveraging graphene’s exceptional electrical conductivity and extensive surface area, coupled with TiO₂’s robust photocatalytic properties, the composite achieved 95% Rhodamine B degradation within 50 min, outperforming pristine TiO₂ (90%), with significant degradation occurring in the first 10 min. Additionally, the composite facilitated efficient enabled total phosphorus (TP) pretreatment under ambient conditions, removing the need for high-pressure equipment. TP analysis revealed a proportional relationship between concentration (1-10 ppm) and absorbance at 840 nm, providing a scalable and simplified approach for monitoring eutrophication. These findings highlight the TiO₂/graphene hybrid’s potential as a sustainable, scalable solution for advanced water purification, marking a pivotal step toward integrating nanotechnology into real-world environmental remediation.