Abstract
Graphene oxide (GO)-based nanocomposites have received a great attention due to their emerging applications. Here, we thoroughly examined the structural, electronic and surface properties of GO/TiO2 nanotubes nanocomposite. The nanocomposite is prepared by simple impregnation of TiO2 nanotubes (HNT400) with GO dispersion. GO is elaborated by an improved Hummer's method, while HNT400 is obtained using alkaline hydrothermal treatment of TiO2 P25, followed by calcination at 400. C. XRD and Raman analyses show that GO nanosheets do not change the structural properties of TiO2 nanotubes. TEM analysis confirms the formation of GO nanosheets assembled to TiO2 nanotubes. XPS and EPR results confirm the electron transfer between GO and TiO2 nanotubes. PL analysis reveals that GO inhibits the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs in the nanocomposite. The ac conductivity measurements suggest the presence of grain and grain boundary effects in GO/HNT400.