We present a simple and feasible strategy to synthesize the novel anatase TiO2/graphene composites with exposed TiO2 {001} high-energy facets by the hydrofluoric acid and methanol joint assisted solvothermal reactions. During the synthesis process, graphene was uniformly covered with a large number of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles (20–25 nm), exposing the {001} facets. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption measurements show the presence of electron transfer between TiO2 and graphene. Furthermore, transient photovoltage spectra of the composite also exhibits prolonged mean lifetime of electron–hole pairs compared with pure TiO2. The electron transfer between Ti and C will greatly retard the recombination of photoinduced charge carriers and prolong electron lifetime, which contribute to the enhancement of photocatalytic performance. During the photocatalysis measurement, the TiO2/graphene composites have high photocatalytic activity compared with the P25 under UV light, likely due to the effective separation of photoinduced charge and exposure of high reactive {001} facets.

Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity and Electron Transfer Mechanisms of Graphene/TiO2 with Exposed {001} Facets