Graphene /TiO2 Composite Electrode: Synthesis and Application towards the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Graphene oxide (GO) was prepared using modified Hummer`s method using graphite as starting material. Reduction of graphene oxide (RGO) was applied using either hydrogen gas at different temperatures or hydrazine hydrate in microwave. Characterization of reduced graphene samples were performed using Raman, IR, XPS techniques. In addition BET measurements of reduced samples were performed. For example, XPS spectrum of GO showed the presence of hydroxyl, epoxy, carbonyl and carboxylic acids groups. After hydrogen reduction of GO at 200 °C the amount of hydroxyl groups is increased in expense of other groups which confirmed the success of reduction process. The GO and RGO were loaded on commercial TiO₂ P25 at different percentage. The Oxygen reduction reaction on pure TiO₂, GO/TiO₂ and RGO/TiO₂ was measured.  The catalytic behavior of these materials was measured toward   oxygen reduction reaction.