Constructing ZnSe and Au co-sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays for high-efficiency photoelectrocatalytic activities

Abstract ZnSe and Au nanoparticles co-sensitized TiO 2 nanotube arrays (ZnSe/Au/TiO 2 NTs) with wide light absorption were first successfully fabricated using two-step anodization, microwave-assisted chemical reduction and in situ deposition process. The investigation indicated that ZnSe and Au nanoparticles grew uniformly on the surface of TiO 2 NTs. The optic property of ZnSe/Au/TiO 2 NTs showed a stronger visible light absorption. Enhanced photocurrent (0.61 mA/cm 2 ) of the ZnSe/Au/TiO 2 NTs was observed due to the enhanced the photoelectric separation efficiency. Meanwhile, the photoelectrochemical measures clearly demonstrated that the ZnSe/Au/TiO 2 NTs had more efficient photoelectrochemical property than the TiO 2 NTs. Furthermore, ZnSe/Au/TiO 2 NTs also demonstrated the highest photoelectrocatalytic capability and stability during the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of MB, which was attributed to the synergistic effects between nanotubular structures of TiO 2 and uniformly dispersed ZnSe and Au nanoparticles, as well as the small bias potential.