Microwave-assisted hydrothermal process as a quick strategy to prepare TiO2/reduced graphene oxide-like composites

The microwave-assisted hydrothermal in situ bonding method is demonstrated to quickly prepare TiO 2 /reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite without calcination. The presence of anatase-TiO 2 nanocrystallites and rGO in the composite implies that the reaction conditions helped the crystallization of TiO 2 and in situ conversion of graphene oxide (GO) into rGO. Microwaves acted as the additional (i.e., in addition to hydrothermal conditions) energy source to quickly form anatase-TiO 2 /rGO composite, which otherwise needs hours together to form either hydrothermally or thermally. Applications wise, the composite was tested as a photocatalyst and supercapacitor electrode material. Graphical abstract