Novel Hierarchical TiO2/C Nanocomposite with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance

Hierarchical TiO 2 /carbon nanocomposites were synthesized by oxidation of two-dimensional (2D) Ti 3 C 2 nanosheets at different temperatures. Crystal structures and morphologies of the obtained samples were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The results show that 2D Ti 3 C 2 nanosheets are partially oxidized to form a novel hierarchical nanostructure which is composed of carbon nanosheets and TiO 2 nanoparticles. With the calcination temperature increasing, the crystal structure of TiO 2 nanoparticles changes from anatase to rutile and the hierarchical structure was gradually destroyed. The photodegradation results reveal that the samples obtained at 200°C and 285°C show much better photocatalytic properties than P25. And meanwhile the photocatalytic property will become worse with the increase in calcinations temperature.