Short communicationHierarchical indium tin oxide (ITO) nano-whiskers: Electron beam deposition and sub-bandgap defect levels mediated visible light driven enhanced photocatalytic activity

•Hierarchical ITO films deposited by self-catalyst vapor-liquid-solid mechanism•Highly rough and porous structure•Significant concentration of sub-bandgap defect energy levels•Temporary trapping of photogenerated electrons and holes inhibits recombination•Superior photocatalytic activity towards Rose Bengal dye

Hierarchical indium tin oxide (ITO) nanowhiskers have been deposited on glass substrates by electron beam evaporation technique. The samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The sub-bandgap defect levels were found to be responsible for significant visible light driven photocatalytic activity shown by the deposited films towards the common industrial pollutant Rose Bengal dye. The results indicate potential applicability of the material in waste water treatment.

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