Ultraviolet response and photoelectrochemical properties of a rutile and anatase mixture grown onto single-wall carbon nanotubes at a low temperature using nano-cluster deposition

Abstract

TiO₂/SWCNT (single-wall carbon nanotube) composites were prepared by a low temperature nano-cluster deposition (NCD) of TiO₂ onto SWCNTs. The TiO₂ films grown onto SWCNTs at a low temperature by NCD consisted of a mixture of rutile and anatase, which was chosen for its favorable photo-response and photoelectrochemical effects. The strong adhesion between the TiO₂/SWCNT and the ITO (indium tin oxide)/glass for the working electrode was effectively achieved by applying a few droplets of ethanol onto the TiO₂/SWCNT/ITO/glass. The current–voltage curve of the TiO₂/SWCNT indicated a rectifying behavior, and the photo response was approximately 60 times higher than that of TiO₂ thick films. Regarding the photoelectrochemical activity of the TiO₂/SWCNT, composites with an ultra-thin thickness of about 1 μm under UV illumination of a low power of 0.3 mW cm⁻², showed a photoconversion efficiency of about 18.0%, which was a high efficiency at a low power density. The mixed rutile and anatase TiO₂ deposited onto SWCNTs using NCD at a low temperature effectively enhanced the photoresponse and the photoelectrochemical abilities of the TiO₂/SWCNTs.