Synthesis of heterostructure Cu2O/TiO2 nanotube arrays by AC electrochemical deposition

Cu2O/TiO2 nanotube arrays are synthesized by ac electrodepositing Cu2O directly into TiO2 nanotube arrays. The asymmetry of the I-V characteristics show the heterostructure has clear rectification, indicating good electrical contacts between the TiO2 and the embedded Cu2O. FESEM and HRTEM analysis identified the formation of one-dimensional Cu2O/TiO2 nanotube arrays. A bath pH in the range of 9.0 to 11.5 is preferred to form the high crystallinity of cubic Cu2O loaded into TiO2 nanotube arrays.