Efficient photocatalysis on hierarchically structured TiO2 nanotubes with mesoporous TiO2 filling

• Preparation of hierarchical structure.
• TiO2 nanotubes with mesoporous filling.
• Enhanced photocatalytic activity.

In the present manuscript we demonstrate an efficient procedure for the preparation of a hierarchically structured 4.5 μm long TiO2 nanotube layer filled with Pluronic-templated mesoporous TiO2. The photocatalytic activity of this hierarchically structured TiO2 was compared to plain nanotubes and to classic particle-decorated TiO2 nanotubes through UV-light induced decomposition of a dye, acid orange 7. The hierarchically structured TiO2 nanotubes clearly show higher constant decomposition rate in comparison to the pure TiO2 nanotubes or mesoporous layers.