Synthesis of amorphous TiO2 modified ZnO nanorod film with enhanced photocatalytic properties

Amorphous TiO2 modified ZnO nanorod films were synthesized via multi-step processes: ZnO nanorod films were prepared by a wet chemical method. Amorphous TiO2 was then anchored on the tops and sides of the nanorods through immersion in tetrabutyltitanate solution for hydrolysis. The as-prepared samples were characterized for the phase structure, chemical state and surface morphology as well as optical absorption using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometer. The results showed that the nanorod films were covered by amorphous TiO2 layers, and their visible light absorption ability was strengthened. The photocatalytic studies revealed that TiO2 modified films exhibited enhanced photocatalytic efficiency for decomposition of methyl orange under ultraviolet-visible excitation, which might be attributed to the increased UV-vis light absorption and the separation of the charge carrier and prolonged electron lifetime due to the interface between TiO2 and ZnO.