LaFeO3 nanoparticle-coupled TiO2 nanotube array composite with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity

LaFeO3 nanoparticle-coupled TiO2 nanotube arrays (LaFeO3/TiO2 NTs) was synthesized by loading LaFeO3 nanoparticles on TiO2 NTs using an ultrasound-assisted impregnating method. LaFeO3 nanoparticles were first prepared by stearate precursor and then deposited on the TiO2 NTs which were grown on Ti foils by electrochemical anodization. The heterostructured LaFeO3/TiO2 NTs exhibited a higher visible light photocatalytic activity than TiO2 NTs and excellent photochemical stability. The feasibility of charge transfer in LaFeO3/TiO2 NTs was confirmed by PL and EIS. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of LaFeO3/TiO2 NTs is mainly attributed to the heterojunction between LaFeO3 and TiO2 NTs which promotes the transfer and separation of photogenerated charges.