Fabrication of CuInSe2 quantum dots sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays for enhancing visible light photoelectrochemical performance

Abstract

The CuInSe2 quantum dots (CuInSe2 QDs) sensitization of TiO2 nanotube arrays (TiO2 NTs/CISe) was carried out by a successive ionic layer absorption and reaction (SILAR) method using Cu(Ac)2 and InCl3 as precursors at different Cu/In molar ratio. The deposition of CuInSe2 QDs on the upper and inner surface of the TiO2 NTs was confirmed by field emission scanning electron and transmission electron microscopes. UV-vis absorption and photoelectrochemical measurements indicated that the CuInSe2 QDs sensitization extended the visible light absorption and photocurrent response. The results also showed that TiO2 NTs/CISe largely enhanced the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation, and showed the excellent activity and stability.