Fe2O3–TiO2 core–shell nanorod arrays for visible light photocatalytic applications

• Fe2O3–TiO2 core–shell nanorod arrays with specific crystalline states were prepared by using the glancing angle deposition technique.
• The Fe2O3–TiO2 core–shell samples annealed at temperatures greater than 450 °C formed α-Fe2O3 and anatase TiO2.
• Fe2O3–TiO2 core–shell samples are effective photocatalysts for monitoring and photodegradation of organic contaminants (e.g. methylene blue (MB).
• Solar conversion of carbon dioxide and water vapor in the presence of Fe2O2–TiO2 core-shell nanorod arrays produced carbon monoxide, hydrogen, methane, and methanol after only several hours’ exposure of the nanocatalyst under ambient sunlight.

By using the glancing angle deposition technique and post-deposition annealing, Fe2O3–TiO2 core–shell nanorod arrays with specific crystalline states can be designed and fabricated. The Fe2O3–TiO2 core–shell samples annealed at temperatures greater than 450 °C formed α-Fe2O3 and anatase TiO2, and showed higher catalytic efficiency for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light illumination when compared with pure anatase TiO2 or α-Fe2O3 nanorod arrays. Solar conversion of carbon dioxide and water vapor in the presence of Fe2O3–TiO2 core–shell nanorod arrays was also investigated. Carbon monoxide, hydrogen, methane, and methanol along with other hydrocarbons were produced after only several hours’ exposure under ambient sunlight. It was determined that the core–shell structure showed greater efficiency for solar CO2 conversion than the pure TiO2 nanorod arrays.

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