Electrochemical construction of Z-scheme type CdS–Ag–TiO2 nanotube arrays with enhanced photocatalytic activity

The Z-scheme type CdS–Ag–TiO2 nanotube arrays were constructed by electrochemical methods. The self-organized highly oriented TiO2 nanotube arrays (TiO2NTs) were first prepared by anodizing Ti sheet. Subsequently, the Ag–CdS nanoparticles composed of Ag core and CdS shell were electrodeposited on the TiO2NTs. In the prepared three-component system, the Ag–CdS core–shell nanoparticles were well dispersed on the surface of anatase TiO2 nanotubes. This three-component system exhibited enhanced photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic activities, far exceeding those of the single- and two-component systems.

► Z-scheme type CdS–Ag–TiO2 nanotube arrays are constructed by electrochemical method.
► Ag–CdS core–shell nanoparticles are well dispersed on anatase TiO2 nanotubes.
► The CdS–Ag–TiO2 system exhibits significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity.