Photoelectrochemical Activity of Cu-Loaded TiO<sub>2</sub> Nanotube Arrays by AC Electrodeposition

Abstract

This work presents a novel approach for preparing Cu-loaded TiO2 nanotube arrays through alternating current electrodeposition. The Cu content loaded on the arrays was controlled by changing the concentration of Cu (NO3)2 solution, deposition voltage and time. The surface morphology and crystal structure of Cu-loaded TiO2 nanotube arrays were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the X-ray diffraction (XRD). The effects of Cu content on the photoelectrochemical property were studied in detail. Results show that Cu-loaded TiO2 nanotube arrays have evidently enhanced photoelectrochemical activity. The photocurrent of Cu-loaded TiO2 nanotube arrays prepared in 0.00625 mol/L Cu (NO3)2 solution at 12 V for 20 seconds was 5.7 and 2.3 times as that of unloaded TiO2 nanotube arrays under visible and UV radiation, respectively.