To improve photocatalytic performance, CdS nanoparticle deposited TiO2 nanotubular photocatalysts are synthesized. The TiO2 nanotube is fabricated by electrochemical anodization at a constant voltage of 60 V, and annealed at 500 for crystallization. The CdS nanoparticles on TiO2 nanotubes are synthesized by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method. The surface characteristics and photocurrent responses of TNT/CdS photocatalysts are investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectrometer and LED light source installed potentiostat. The bandgaps of the CdS deposited TiO2 photocatalysts are gradually narrowed with increasing of amounts of deposited CdS nanoparticles, which enhances visible light absorption ability of composite photocatalysts. Enhanced photoelectrochemical performance is observed in the nanocomposite TiO2 photocatalyst. However, the maximum photocurrent response and dye degradation efficiency are observed for TNT/CdS30 photocatalyst. The excellent photocatalytic performance of TNT/CdS30 catalyst can be ascribed to the synergistic effects of its better absorption ability of visible light region and efficient charge transport process.
We studied the basic properties and fabrication of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) prepared using eco-friendly reduction agents in the graphene solution process. Hydrazine is generally used to reduce graphene oxide (GO), which results in polluting emissions as well as fixed nitrogen functional groups on different defects in the graphene sheets. To replace hydrazine, we developed eco-friendly reduction agents with similar or better reducing properties, and selected of them for further analysis. In this study, GO layers were produced from graphite flakes using a modified Hummer’s method, and rGO layers were reduced using hydrazine hydrate, L-ascorbic acid, and gluconic acid. We measured the particle sizes and the dispersion stabilities in the rGO dispersed solvents for the three agents and analyzed the structural, electrical, and optical properties of the rGO films. The results showed that the degree of reduction was in the order L-ascorbic acid ≥ hydrazine > glucose. GO reduced using L-ascorbic acid had a sheet resistance of 121 kΩ/sq, while that reduced using gluconic acid showed worse electrical properties than the other two reduction agents. Therefore, L-ascorbic acid is the most suitable eco-friendly reduction agent that can be substituted for hydrazine.
We have demonstrated the production of thin films containing multilayer graphene-coated copper nanoparticles (MGCNs) by a commercial electrodeposition method. The MGCNs were produced by electrical wire explosion, an easily applied technique for creating hybrid metal nanoparticles. The nanoparticles had average diameters of 10–120 nm and quasi-spherical morphologies. We made a complex-electrodeposited copper thin film (CETF) with a thickness of 4.8 μm by adding 300 ppm MGCNs to the electrolyte solution and performing electrodeposition. We measured the electric properties and performed corrosion testing of the CETF. Raman spectroscopy was used to measure the bonding characteristics and estimate the number of layers in the graphene films. The resistivity of the bare-electrodeposited copper thin film (BETF) was 2.092 × 10–6 Ω·cm, and the resistivity of the CETF after the addition of 300 ppm MGCNs was decreased by 2% to ~2.049 × 10–6 Ω·cm. The corrosion resistance of the BETF was 9.306 Ω, while that of the CETF was increased to 20.04 Ω. Therefore, the CETF with MGCNs can be used in interconnection circuits for printed circuit boards or semiconductor devices on the basis of its low resistivity and high corrosion resistance.