Differences between Zn-porphyrin-coupled titanate nanotubes with various anchoring modes: Thermostability, spectroscopic, photocatalytic and photoelectronic properties

► The 5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin zinc (ZnMOHPP) molecules were bonded on the outer surfaces of the titanate nanotubes (TNTs) through hydrogen bonds, while the 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin zinc (ZnTPP) molecules were physically adsorbed into the pore channels of the TNTs via a capillary process. ► The influence of anchoring mode on the properties of the ZnP sensitized TNTs were explored. ► The different anchoring modes of ZnP on the TNTs as well as the special morphology of TNTs resulted in the remarkable distinctions in the thermal stability, photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical properties.