Fabrication of AgInS2 nanoparticles sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays and their photoelectrochemical properties

• TiO2 nanotube arrays sensitized with AgInS2 nanocrystals were prepared.
• The AgInS2 sensitization improved the visible light response and photocurrent.
• The TiO2 NTs/AgInS2 exhibited excellent photoelectrocatalytic activities.

TiO2 nanotube arrays sensitized with AgInS2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NTs/AgInS2) were successfully fabricated by a two-step process of anodization followed by a successive ionic layer absorption and reaction (SILAR) method. The structural investigation by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy indicated that the AgInS2 nanoparticles of diameters ~15 nm grew uniformly on the walls of the TiO2 nanotubes. The TiO2 NTs/AgInS2 exhibits excellent photocurrent and photoelectrocatalytic activities under visible light irradiation. The enhancement in the photoelectrochemical performance could be explained by the optoelectronic coupling between dispersed AgInS2 nanoparticles and TiO2 NTs.

TiO2 nanotube arrays sensitized with AgInS2 nanoparticles were successfully fabricated by a two-step process of anodization followed by a successive ionic layer absorption and reaction. The TiO2 NTs/AgInS2 exhibits excellent photocurrent and photoelectrocatalytic activities under visible light irradiation.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide