Enhanced visible-light induced photocatalytic activity in core-shell structured graphene/titanium dioxide nanofiber mats

Semiconductor photocatalysts suffer from low photocatalytic quantum efficiency , diminished solar energy utilization, and inadequate photostability, thereby impeding their widespread adoption. Meanwhile, graphene emerges as an ideal substrate material for fabricating high-performance composite photocatalysts owing to its distinctive single-layer sp 2 -hybridized carbon atom arrangement, substantial specific surface area, exceptional electron conductivity, and pronounced transparency. In this study, a graphene-anatase-rutile core-shell structured nanofiber mat architecture is successfully synthesized by sol-gel-assisted coaxial electrospinning with high-temperature thermal treatment. This innovative architecture effectively narrows the bandgap of TiO 2 and synergizes adsorption and catalysis processes to achieve heightened catalytic efficiency and prolonged stability. Photocatalytic assays conducted under visible light irradiation demonstrate the excellent photocatalytic activity and stability of the graphene-titanium dioxide hybrid material during the degradation of phenol . The kinetics and mechanism of the phenol degradation of the nanofiber mat have been explored. Furthermore, the unique mesh-like configuration intrinsic to the nanofiber assembly confers sedimentation and recyclability upon the composite material.