Fabrication and photocatalytic activity of high-efficiency visible-light-responsive photocatalyst ZnTe/TiO2 nanotube arrays

A new ZnTe modified TiO2 nanotube (NT) array catalyst was prepared by pulse potential electrodeposition of ZnTe nanoparticles (NPs) onto TiO2 NT arrays, and its application for photocatalytic degradation of anthracene-9-carboxylic acid (9-AnCOOH) was investigated. The even distribution of ZnTe NPs was well-proportionately grown on the top surface of the TiO2 NT while without clogging the tube entrances. Compared with the unmodified TiO2 NT, the ZnTe modified TiO2 NT (ZnTe/TiO2 NT) showed significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity towards 9-AnCOOH under simulated solar light. After 70 min of irradiation, 9-AnCOOH was degraded with the removal ratio of 45% on the bare TiO2 NT, much lower than 80%, 90%, and 100% on the ZnTe/TiO2 NT with the ZnTe NPs prepared under the pulsed “on” potentials of −0.8, −1.0, and −2.0 V, respectively. The increased photodegradation efficiency mainly results from the improved photocurrent density as results of enhanced visible-light absorption and decreased hole–electron recombination due to the presence of narrow-band-gap p-type semiconductor ZnTe.

Surface-view SEM images of ZnTe/TiO2 NT prepared under −2.0 V, and the inset is the corresponding enlarged drawings.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► A new method to deposit chalcogenides of transition metals on the TiO2 nanotubes.
► The even distribution of ZnTe nanoparticles was well-proportionedly grown onto TiO2 NT arrays.
► ZnTe/TiO2 NT showed remarkably increased photocurrent density.
► ZnTe/TiO2 NT showed good photocatalytic performance.
► The prepared new catalyst has a promising application in practical systems.