Investigation of TiO 2 nanotubes/nanoparticles stacking sequences to improve power conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells

Ag Nanoparticles Located on Three-Dimensional Pine Tree-Like Hierarchical TiO2 Nanotube Array Films as High-Efficiency Plasmonic Photocatalysts

High specific surface area three-dimensional pine tree-like hierarchical TiO2 nanotube array films loaded with Ag nanoparticles were successfully prepared by one-step hydrothermal reaction combining with simple and feasible magnetron sputtering. The composite Ag/TiO2-branched nanotube arrays show outstanding photocatalytic property, which is attributed to the boost of plasmonic enhancement carrier generation and separation, higher specific surface area, higher organic pollutant absorption, faster charge transport, and superior light-harvesting efficiency for efficient charge collection. The work provides a cost-effective and flexible pathway to develop high-performance photocatalyst or optoelectronic devices.