Controlled preparation and photocatalytic performance of TiO2/ZnO phase-mixed nanotubes-based nano-spheres

For the first time, by introducing the reaction of nano-ZnO and H2C2O4 in the electrospinning solution, the heterostructure of TiO2/ZnO was effectively adjusted, and the controllable particle size of nano-spheres could be tuned by simply adjusting the amount of the ZnO added. The soaking step and the subsequent calcination process make ZnO, as the electrospinning solution reactant and the calcination product, fully combine with the TiO2 precursor to fully combine with the TiO2 precursor. EDS, XRD and XPS indicate the formation of phase-mixed heterojunction. According to DRS characterization, the phase-mixed structure enhances the light utilization effect. Compared with single component TiO2 nanotubes and nano-ZnO, TiO2/ZnO mixed materials exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity and excellent photocatalytic cycling stability against rhodamine B, of which the photocatalytic mechanism was described. This research provides a new idea for the preparation of controllable metal oxide phase-mixed materials.

Automated summary

This study introduces the reaction between nano-ZnO and H2C2O4 in the electrospinning solution to effectively adjust the heterostructure of TiO2/ZnO and control the particle size of nano-spheres. The soaking and calcination process allows ZnO to fully combine with the TiO2 precursor, forming a phase-mixed heterojunction. The phase-mixed structure enhances light utilization and results in enhanced photocatalytic activity and cycling stability of TiO2/ZnO mixed materials. This research provides a new approach for the preparation of controllable metal oxide phase-mixed materials.