Fabrication of graphene–TiO2 nanocomposite with improved photocatalytic degradation for acid orange 7 dye under solar light irradiation

In this study, photodegradation of the non-biodegradable azo dye acid orange 7 (AO7) was selected as modal target in aqueous solution using graphene–TiO2 (GR–TiO2) hybrid nanocomposite, was well investigated and elucidated. The crystal phase, special surface area, microscopic analysis of the GR–TiO2 and also, chemical state of the photocatalysts were studied by powdered X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Raman spectrum, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauere Emmette Teller (BET) method and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). During photocatalysis, the GR–TiO2 nanocomposite improved photocatalytic performance compared with that of pure TiO2 towards AO7 organic azo-dye degradation. The reusability test of photocatalytic activity was also examined. A conceivable reaction mechanism was suggested and nattered on the basis of tentative effects. Therefore, the GR–TiO2 nanomaterial can be widely used as a photocatalyst for treating the organic dye contaminant in the field of environmental protection.