Constructing ZnSe and Au co-sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays for high-efficiency photoelectrocatalytic activities

ZnSe and Au nanoparticles co-sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays (ZnSe/Au/TiO2 NTs) with wide light absorption were first successfully fabricated using two-step anodization, microwave-assisted chemical reduction and in situ deposition process. The investigation indicated that ZnSe and Au nanoparticles grew uniformly on the surface of TiO2 NTs. The optic property of ZnSe/Au/TiO2 NTs showed a stronger visible light absorption. Enhanced photocurrent (0.61 mA/cm(2)) of the ZnSe/Au/TiO2 NTs was observed due to the enhanced the photoelectric separation efficiency. Meanwhile, the photoelectrochemical measures clearly demonstrated that the ZnSe/Au/TiO2 NTs had more efficient photoelectrochemical property than the TiO2 NTs. Furthermore, ZnSe/Au/TiO2 NTs also demonstrated the highest phdtoelectrocatalytic capability and stability during the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of MB, which was attributed to the synergistic effects between nanotubular structures of TiO2 and uniformly dispersed ZnSe and Au nanoparticles, as well as the small bias potential. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.