Perovskite CoTiO3/TiO2 hybrid nanotubes synthesis via pulsed anodization for photoelectrochemical application

Abstract

Herein, for the first time hybrid perovskite CoTiO3/TiO2 nanotubes have been synthesized by a simple pulsed anodization process. The conventional Ti anodization electrolyte has been modified with Co2+ cations. The key to the hybrid nanotubes formation lies in the pulsed biasing instead of continuous one. The positive voltage cycle helps forming nanotubes due to Ti oxidation/ dissolution and the negative cycle simultaneously assists Co2+ in the tubular matrix in a controllable manner. The heat treatment in Ar flow transformed the amorphous matrix into CoTiO3/TiO2 heterojunction resulting in a significant photocurrent under simulated sunlight which is 5 and 10 fold as compared to the conventional TiO2 nanotubes and hybrid nanotubes heated in air at the same temperature, respectively. The simple process presented in the current work can be helpful in synthesizing perovskite or metal oxide hybrid nanotubes applied in photocatalysis and renewable energy applications