In situ fabrication of TiO2 nanotube arrays sensitized by Ag nanoparticles for enhanced photoelectrochemical performance

We presented the employment of ascorbic acid as the reducing agent for the in situ deposition of Ag nanoparticles on the surface of TiO2 nanotube arrays (TiO2 NTs/Ag). The structural investigation by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy indicated that Ag nanoparticles with average diameters of 15 nm uniformly grew on TiO2 NTs walls. The possible formation mechanism of TiO2 NTs/Ag was proposed. UV vis absorption and photoelectrochemical measurements indicated that the Ag sensitization extended the visible light absorption region, improved the photocurrent response, and enhanced solar-induced photoelectrocatalytic activities. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.