Uniformly dispersed CdS/CdSe quantum dots co-sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays with high photocatalytic property under visible light

Abstract Highly detached TiO 2 nanotube arrays (TiO 2 -NTAs) were fabricated by anodization method using electrolyte with high water content. CdS and CdSe quantum dots (QDs) were co-deposited on the TiO 2 -NTAs. The results showed that the CdS and CdSe QDs were uniformly deposited on both the outer wall and inner tube of TiO 2 -NTAs. The photocatalytic performance of the as-prepared (CdS–CdSe)/TiO 2 -NTAs was tested by degradation of methyl orange with 0.2 M Na 2 S and Na 2 SO 3 as sacrificial reagents under visible light ( λ >400 nm). It was found that the photodegradation rate reached as high as 95.1% in 2 h. Also, a reasonable degradation rate of 87.5% was achieved after 3 cycles, suggesting a good stability of the as-prepared (CdS–CdSe)/TiO 2 -NTAs.