Abstract

Nanocomposites (TiO-NTbs/rGO) consisting of titanate nanosheets (H₂Ti₃O₇) scrolled to nanotubes (TiO-NTbs) and deposited on reduced graphite oxide (rGO) were synthesized through the combination of low-power/low-frequency (37 kHz) ultrasound and hydrothermal treatment procedures. The materials were characterized by X‑ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, N₂ physisorption, thermal analysis (in air or helium), potentiometric titration, X‑ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The addition of 4% of rGO was found as optimal, leading to the composite with a high surface area of 359 m²/​g. The materials, when tested as media to remove toxic vapors of a chemical warfare agent (mustard gas) surrogate either under dark or visible light conditions, exhibited adsorption capacity of greater than 600 mg/​g which is far higher than those of other well-preforming materials (e.g., barium titanate nanoparticles or metal-organic frameworks). The photocatalytic activity of TiO-NTbs was also superior to P25 or other well-known nanomaterials. On their surface, various compounds of low- or non-toxicity were identified to be formed photochemically via free radical reactions.