Two-steps formation of ZnO-loaded TiO₂ nanotube array films with enhanced photocatalytic performance

Abstract

Recent results are reported on the investigation of the optical properties of ZnO-loaded TiO₂ nanotubes array layers. TiO₂ nanotubes layers formed by electrochemical anodization of the Ti surface were subsequently loaded with controllable amounts of ZnO, originating from a magnetron sputtering source. Structural and optical analyses of the ZnO-TiO₂ composite films with different ZnO coverage were carried out to further investigate the electronic properties of the composite films. The results are discussed in terms of the occurrence of the ZnO-TiO₂ heterojunctions and the the bandgap modification. These effects increase the photocatalytic yield and activation duration of the films.