Targeted deposition of ZnO2 on brookite TiO2 nanorods towards high photocatalytic activity

Abstract

A novel heterostructure was first synthesized by directly depositing photocatalytic inert ZnO2 onto facet {201} of brookite nanorods. The heterostructure thus obtained was found to show a superior photocatalytic activity under UV-light irradiation. The exceptional photocatalytic performance was due to the band-structure match between ZnO2 and brookite as well as synergic charge accumulation by different facets of the brookite nanorods.

Heterojunction Photocatalysts

“…Furthermore, it was observed that the overexposed {101} or {001} facets on the TiO 2 caused an overflow effect of holes and electrons (see Figure a,c), respectively, and consequently reduced the photogenerated electron–hole separation efficiency. Apparently, the fabrication of anatase TiO 2 with the optimal ratio of the exposed {001} and {101} facets is crucial for enhancing the photocatalytic activity of the anatase TiO 2 (see Figure b) …”

Light‐Driven Sustainable Hydrogen Production Utilizing TiO2 Nanostructures: A Review

“…As we all know that TiO 2 NTs can be obtained through traditional hydrothermal method, electrochemical anodic oxidation, and solvothermal method. From our previous works, for obtaining highly arranged TiO 2 nanotube arrays (NTAs), which are vertically arranged to the electrode interface, twice anodization process of Ti sheets has been confirmed as a fast, facile, and valid way to obtain high‐ordered TiO 2 NTAs (Figure d). Recently, vertically aligned TiO 2 NTAs were firsthand developed on a Ti sheet utilizing a vapor‐phase hydrothermal route by Zhou and co‐workers.…”

“…d) Well‐organized TiO 2 NTAs from two‐step anodization. Reproduced with permission . Copyright 2013, the Royal Society of Chemistry.…”

“…Various strategies were developed to prepare metal oxide–TiO 2 nanostructural compound heterostructures, such as hydrothermal method, sol–gel processes, electrodeposition, and wet‐chemical deposition. These compound heterostructures were turned for charge transfer and widened the absorption from UV to infrared region …”

“…These compound heterostructures were turned for charge transfer and widened the absorption from UV to infrared region. [134,135] As the important basic study of TiO 2 NBs for an enhanced photo catalytic activity, Liu and coworkers developed a facile, effective, and low cost route to obtain the TiO 2 NP/TiO 2 NB heterostructures based on an acidhydrothermal process. [136] However, it is locked that the reactive wavelengths still stay in UV region, which can be ascribed to the similar band structure between the NPs and NBs.…”