Preparation of ZnO@TiO2 nanotubes heterostructured film by thermal decomposition and their photocatalytic performances

TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) arrays prepared by anodic oxidation were modified with ZnO particles and their morphology and photocatalytic properties were investigated. A simple thermal decomposition process was involved in the modification method. Zinc acetate solution was filled into the TiO2 NTs arrays, and ZnO@TiO2 heterojunction films were formed after the thermal treatment. The morphology and catalytic properties of the heterojunction films could be manipulated by the concentration of zinc acetate solution. Compared to TiO2 NTs arrays, the ZnO@TiO2 heterojunction films with an optimized concentration of zinc acetate showed enhanced catalytic performances. Their photocatalytic activities were discussed with respect to the formation of ZnO@TiO2 heterojunctions and enforced charge separation. This study demonstrates a simple method to prepare ZnO nanoparticles@TiO2 NT heterojunction films, which is promising for other environmental and energy related applications.