Preparation and photoelectrochemical performance of porous TiO 2 /graphene nanocomposite films

Abstract Direct photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting using solar energy offers a potential pathway to produce a clean, renewable, and sustainable source of hydrogen fuel. Herein, the TiO 2 /graphene nanocomposite for PEC water splitting was prepared by a combination of the drop-cast deposition of graphene nanosheets and the sputtering deposition of TiO 2 films. The surface morphology, crystalline phase, and optical properties were investigated by Scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The results showed that the thermal treatment process and the combination with graphene nanosheets could effectively enhance PEC water oxidation of TiO 2 photocatalyst. This enhancement could attribute to efficient charge transfer from TiO 2 to graphene and the porous graphene framework.