Physical Mixing Of N-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots Functionalized TiO2 For Sustainable Degradation Of Methylene Blue

Abstract

An in-situ physical assisted mixing was applied for uniform incorporation of N-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) with TiO₂ nanoparticles to construct N-GDQs/TiO₂. The unique characteristics of N-doped graphene quantum dots enable it to act as a rich optical light harvesting. The strong absorption under the UV-Vis spectroscopy shows the efficacy in absorbing visible and Near Infrared (NIR) photon. The photocatalysis of the synthesized composite was evaluated through the efficiency of photodegradation of Methylene Blue in aqueous solution under direct sunlight irradiation. A complete degradation was achieved within 150 mins for 1.5% N-GQDs/TiO₂ composite as compare to pure. The vast improvement of this photocatalysis efficiency is much attributed to the strong light absorbance in the entire solar spectrum. Hence, the formation of N-GQDs/TiO₂ could be broadly used as future sustainable photocatalyst for treating various organic pollutants in the field of aquatic environmental remediation.