Charge transfer properties and photoelectrocatalytic activity of TiO2/MWCNT hybrid

The vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) arrays on tantalum foils were successfully coated with TiO₂ nanoparticles by a hydrothermal process. The prepared TiO₂/MWCNT hybrid was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The charge transfer properties and photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B with and without bias potential under UV irradiation were investigated. The MWCNTs promoted the separation of photoinduced carriers in the TiO₂, thus enhanced photocatalytic activity. Applying bias potential on the photoanode further enhanced its catalytic activity. The efficient charge transportation and high photoelectrocatalytic activity towards degradation of rhodamine B made this hybrid material promising for photocatalyst and for the development of photoelectrical devices.