Synthesis of graphene quantum dots from corn powder and their application in reduce charge recombination and increase free charge carriers

GQDs have been synthesized by using a novel and green precursor (corn powder). Furthermore, GQDs/TiO2 composite has been prepared by using graphene quantum dots as capping agent. Incorporation of graphene quantum dots in TiO2 nanoparticles reduce charge recombination, extend the absorption spectrum of TiO2 to the visible region, and increase the accessible surface area of TiO2 nanoparticles. Therefore, the significant enhancement of photocatalytic activity for degrading the Rhodamin B has been achieved. Characterization of the samples was carried out by Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, UV Vis spectroscopy, Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and photoluminescence (PL). (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.