Electrodeposited graphene@TiO2 nanosheets for enhanced photocathodic protection

In this work, TiO2 was firmly attached on freestanding graphene (Gr, rather than graphene oxide or reduced graphene oxide) nanosheets (Gr@e-TiO2) by a novel electrodeposition method. The morphology, crystal structure, band gap characteristics, optical properties and photoelectric properties were systematically investigated. It is indicated that the absorption of visible light increased and the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs decreased for the as-obtained Gr@e-TiO2. Compared with pure TiO2 as well as GO (graphene oxide)@h-TiO2 prepared by conventional hydrothermal method, Gr@e-TiO2 exhibited a more negative open circuit potential and higher photocurrent density for 304SS protection. The enhanced photocathodic protection performance of Gr@e-TiO2 can be attributed to the large specific surface area and good charge transport efficiency of graphene.