Photoelectrochemical Activity of Cu-Loaded TiO₂ Nanotube Arrays by AC Electrodeposition

Abstract:

This work presents a novel approach for preparing Cu-loaded TiO₂ nanotube arrays through alternating current electrodeposition. The Cu content loaded on the arrays was controlled by changing the concentration of Cu (NO₃)₂ solution, deposition voltage and time. The surface morphology and crystal structure of Cu-loaded TiO₂ nanotube arrays were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the X-ray diffraction (XRD). The effects of Cu content on the photoelectrochemical property were studied in detail. Results show that Cu-loaded TiO₂ nanotube arrays have evidently enhanced photoelectrochemical activity. The photocurrent of Cu-loaded TiO₂ nanotube arrays prepared in 0.00625 mol/L Cu (NO₃)₂ solution at 12 V for 20 seconds was 5.7 and 2.3 times as that of unloaded TiO₂ nanotube arrays under visible and UV radiation, respectively.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volumes 602-603)
• Pages: 980-984
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.602-603.980
• Online since: March 2014
• Authors: Jian Ling Zhao, Qiao Wen Fan, Ying Juan Mi, Jing Yang, Xi Xin Wang
• Keywords: Anodization, Cu, Electrodeposition, TiO₂ Nanotube Array (TNAs)

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