Copper photodeposition on titania nanotube arrays and study of their optical and photocatalytic properties.

Cu-loaded titania nanotube arrays (Cu/TNAs) were prepared by photodeposition of copper on the surface of titania nanotube arrays (TNAs) using copper nitrate as copper source. The resulting samples were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The Cu/TNAs showed a tube diameter of 40–90 nm and wall thickness of 20–30 nm. The photocatalytic activities of the prepared photocatalysts were evaluated by the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) and the production of hydrogen under xenon light illumination. The results showed that Cu/TNAs sample exhibited better photocatalytic activity than the TNAs due to the strong synergistic interactions between titania and copper. This work demonstrated a feasible method to fabricate an effective, reproducible and inexpensive photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution and environmental applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]