Fabrication of TiO₂ Nanosheet Aarrays/Graphene/Cu₂O Composite Structure for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activities

TiO₂ NSAs/graphene/Cu₂O was fabricated on the carbon fiber to use as photocastalysts by coating Cu₂O on the graphene (G) decorated TiO₂ 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 TiO₂ NSAs/graphene/Cu₂O 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 Cu₂O which will reduce the recombination. Third, the TiO₂ nanosheet can provide more favorable carrier transportation channel which can reduce the recombination of carriers. Finally, the Cu₂O can extend the light absorption range.