Preparation of graphene quantum dots-doped TiO2 nanocomposites via a sol-gel method for photocathodic protection

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a promising semiconductor for photocathodic protection, but the low efficiency of visible-light absorption and quantum restricts its application. In this study, graphene quantum dots-doped TiO2 (TiO2-GQD) nanocomposites with mesopores were prepared by a sol-gel method under ultrasonic radiation conditions. The prepared TiO2-GQD nanocomposites exhibit excellent performance in the aspects of sunlight absorption, and photocathodic protection. It can protect the active metal and reduce the corrosion rate effectively. It is expected the TiO2-GQD nanocomposites will be used in marine engineering to realize the efficient and sustainable development of marine corrosion protection.