Improved photo-electrochemical properties of Cu-loaded TiO_2 nanotubes

摘要

Cu-loaded TiO_2 nanotube arrays were fabricated by immersing the anodized nanotube arrays in Cu(NO_3)_2 solution and then post-annealed. Copper oxide with diameter about 20 nm was loaded on the nanotube arrays with tube diameter about 140 nm, the wall thickness about 40 nm and the length about 4 μm. Cu-loaded TiO_2 nanotube arrays showed remarkable improvement of photochemical activity. The photocurrent of Cu-loaded sample soaked in 0.02 M Cu(NO_3)_2 solution was about 2.5 times higher than that of unloaded sample.