A ternary TiO₂/WO₃/graphene nanocomposite adsorbent: facile preparation and efficient removal of Rhodamine B

Abstract

Ternary TiO₂/WO₃/graphene (TWG) nanocomposites were prepared by a facile salt-ultrasonic assisted hydrothermal method. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption. Both anatase TiO₂ and orthorhombic WO₃ formed in the nanocomposites, along with a highly disordered overlay of individual graphene nanosheets. Polyhedral and spherical TiO₂ and WO₃ nanoparticles of uniform size 10–30 nm were densely anchored to the graphene sheets. The maximum specific surface area of the products was 144.59 m²·g⁻¹. The products showed clear abilities for the removal of Rhodamine B in the absence of illumination. Furthermore, the adsorption activity of the products exhibited only a slight decrease after three successive cycles. The results demonstrate that the ternary nanocomposites could be used as a high-efficiency adsorbent for the removal of environmental contaminants.

Keywords

adsorbents / nanocomposites / titanium dioxide / tungsten oxides / graphene / adsorption / wastewater treatment

References

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