Electrochemical synthesis of perovskite LaFeO3 nanoparticle-modified TiO2 nanotube arrays for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity

Abstract

A series of perovskite LaFeO₃ nanoparticle-decorated TiO₂ nanotube arrays (LaFeO₃/TiO₂ NTAs) was constructed through an electrochemical method. This type of highly ordered TiO₂ NTA was first prepared by anodizing Ti sheets. LaFeO₃ nanoparticles with a diameter of 10–20 nm were then electrodeposited and well dispersed on the surface of the anatase TiO₂ NTAs. The as-prepared LaFeO₃ nanoparticle/TiO₂ NTA heterostructure showed enhanced activity than individual TiO₂ NTAs and LaFeO₃ for the visible light degradation of methylene blue (MB) and excellent photochemical stability. The LaFeO₃ nanoparticle-modified TiO₂ NTAs exhibited broad visible light harvesting and facilitated electron–hole separation, which are responsible for the high photocatalytic degradation rate of MB. This finding demonstrates the importance of promoting charge separation and transfer in heterostructured photocatalysts and also highlights the promising role of inorganic perovskite materials in photocatalytic applications.