In this paper, we present a simple solvothermal method to prepare reduced graphene oxide-TiO2 (rGOTiO2) composites using graphene oxide (GO) and tetrabutyl titanate as starting materials. During the reaction, the deoxygenation of GO and the deposition of TiO2 nanoparticles on rGO occurred simultaneously. The photoactivity of the as-prepared rGO-TiO2 composite was studied by evaluating its performance in the photoreduction of CO2 under visible light illumination.
In contrast to the most commonly employed high-power halogen and xenon lamps, we used 15-W energy-saving light bulbs to irradiate the photocatalyst under ambient condition. This renders the entire process practically feasible and economically viable.The rGO-TiO2 composite was shown to exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity as compared to graphite oxide and pure anatase.