TiO2–reduced graphene oxide for the removal of gas-phase unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine

Abstract

Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) contaminated waste gas and related intermediates pose a great threat to human health. TiO2–reduced graphene oxide aerogel (rGA) samples with different graphene content levels were synthetized and characterized for the degradation of UDMH. The effects of GO content, humidity, and temperature were investigated under UV and VUV light, with highest UDMH conversion values of 68% and 95%, respectively. Compared with pure TiO2, the enhanced degradation activity of TiO2–rGA under UV light can be attributed to a synergetic effect between absorption and photocatalysis, while the high UDMH conversion under VUV light relies on photolysis and ozonation. The high oxygen-containing group content, rather than a high SSA, and electron trapping by graphene are key factors determining the outstanding performance of TiO2–rGA with 80 mg of GO. The prepared TiO2–graphene aerogels are promising for the degradation of gas-phase UDMH.