Controlled synthesis of Cu nanoparticles on TiO2 nanotube array photoelectrodes and their photoelectrochemical properties

TiO2 NTs/Cu photoelectrodes were prepared by coating Cu nanoparticles on the tube wall of the self-organized TiO2 nanotube arrays using a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method. The structural investigation by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy indicated that Cu nanoparticles grew uniformly on the walls of TiO2 nanotubes. The modification of Cu nanoparticles improved the photoresponse and photocurrent density of TiO2 NTs into the visible light region. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.