Electrochemical method for synthesis of a ZnFe 2O 4/TiO 2 composite nanotube array modified electrode with enhanced photoelectrochemical activity

Yang Hou, Xin-Yong Li, Qi-Dong Zhao, Xie Quan, Guo-Hua Chen

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

339 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

An electrode with intimate and well-aligned ZnFe <sub>2</sub>O <sub>4</sub>/TiO <sub>2</sub> composite nanotube arrays is prepared via electrochemical anodization of pure titanium foil in fluorine-containing ethylene glycol, followed by a novel cathodic electrodeposition method. The deposition of ZnFe <sub>2</sub>O <sub>4</sub> is promoted in the selfaligned, vertically oriented TiO <sub>2</sub> nanotube arrays but minimized at the tube entrances. Thus, pore clogging is prevented. Environmental scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectra, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction patterns, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicate that the as-prepared samples are highly ordered and vertically aligned TiO <sub>2</sub> nanotube arrays with ZnFe <sub>2</sub>O <sub>4</sub> nanoparticles loading. The TiO <sub>2</sub> nanotubes are anatase with the preferential orientation of &lt;101&gt; plane. Enhanced absorption in both UVand visible light regions is observed for the composite nanotube arrays. The current-voltage curve of ZnFe <sub>2</sub>O <sub>4</sub>-loaded TiO <sub>2</sub> nanotube arrays reveals a rectifying behavior. The enhanced separation of photoinduced electrons and holes is demonstrated by surface photovoltage and photocurrent measurements. Meanwhile, the photoelectrochemical investigations verify that the ZnFe <sub>2</sub>O <sub>4</sub>/TiO <sub>2</sub> composite nanotube array modified electrode has a more effective photoconversion capability than the aligned TiO <sub>2</sub> nanotube arrays alone. In addition, the photoelectrocatalytic ability of the novel electrode is found enhanced in the degradation of 4-chlorophenol. © 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2165-2174
JournalAdvanced Functional Materials
Volume20
Issue number13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 9 Jul 2010
Externally publishedYes

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