Synthesis, characterization of TiO2 nanotubes-supported MS (TiO2NTs-MS, M=Cd, Zn) and their photocatalytic activity

TiO2 nanotubes-supported MS (TiO2NTs-MS, M=Cd, Zn) are synthesized by a simple wet chemical method at room temperature. The products are characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis absorption spectrum and photoluminescence (PL) spectrum. Their optical and morphological properties indicate the interaction between the TiO2 nanotube and MS nanoparticle. The photocatalytic activities of the TiO2NTs-MS are evaluated upon the oxidation of methyl orange under UV light illumination. The results reveal that the photocatalytic efficiency of the nanocomposites strongly depends on the specific interaction between MS and support. - Graphical abstract: TiO2 nanotubes-supported MS (TiO2-MS, M=Cd, Zn) are synthesized by a simple wet chemical method at room temperature. The composites are active in the photooxidation reaction and their photocatalytic performances are enhanced compared with their corresponding MS nanoparticles or the support (TiO2 nanotubes). The results indicate that the composites exhibit cooperative or synergetic effects of MS and the support (TiO2 nanotubes), which greatly influences the optical and photocatalytic properties of the obtained TiO2-MS composites