Preparation and photocatalytic activities of Sb2S3/TiO2 nanotube coaxial heterogeneous structure arrays via an ion exchange adsorption method

Highlights: ► A novel bulk photocatalysis, coaxial heterogeneous structure of TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNAs) with Sb2S3 (Sb2S3/TNAs), was synthesized with a simple method-ion exchange adsorption method. ► To analyze the influence of Sb2S3 content on the photocatalytic activities, the photocatalytic activities of the Sb2S3/TNAs with different adsorption times were used. ► In this paper we do the further research on coaxial heterogeneous structure. And give out the modeling to explain the interesting results of photocatalysis. - Abstract: A novel photocatalyst, which is composed of the Sb2S3/TiO2 nanotube coaxial heterogeneous structure arrays, was synthesized by combining an anodization method with an ion exchange adsorption method. Resultant products were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. Results indicate that the Sb2S3 thin film layer can be well deposited on inside surface of the TiO2 nanotubes to form the coaxial heterogeneous structure arrays and there is an obvious absorption band peaked at 650 nm with a deposition of the Sb2S3 film layer. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activities of the Sb2S3/TiO2 nanotube coaxial heterogeneous structure arrays were also evaluated to exhibit a photodegradation for the methyl orange aqueous solution under UV–visible irradiation, which is mainly attributed to a formation of the Sb2S3/TiO2 nanotube coaxial heterogeneous structure arrays.