Fabrication of ordered arrays of CNT/TiO2 nanotubes and their photocatalytic properties

Abstract

In this work, fabrication and characterization of ordered arrays of CNT/TiO₂ nanotubes imbedded in porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes were reported. The coaxial core–shell structures were exploited for the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, such as methyl orange. The presence of the CNT greatly enhanced the efficiency of photocatalytic activity compared with the bare TiO₂ nanotubes. The key achievement of this work is to fabricate ordered arrays of CNT/TiO₂ composite nanotubes with coaxial core–shell structures by using a simple, convenient, and environmentally friendly process. Further application of this CNT/TiO₂ hybrid material in many fields could be hopefully expected.