Efficient photocathodic protection performance of ZnIn2S4 nanosheets/SnO2 quantum dots/TiO2 nanotubes composite for 316 SS under visible light

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds Vol. 926; p. 166901
• Main Authors: Zhu, Jinke, Li, Hong, Cui, Xingqiang, Yang, Zhanyuan, Chen, Bing, Li, Yanhui, Zhang, Pengfei, Li, Junru
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 10.12.2022; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Anodizing; Austenitic stainless steels; Composite materials; Electromagnetic absorption; Electrons; Energy storage; Heterostructures; Nanosheets; Nanotubes; Open circuit voltage; Oxidation; Photocathodic protection; Photoelectric effect; Quantum dots; SnO2 quantum dots; Stainless steel; Tin dioxide; TiO2 NTs; Titanium dioxide; Voltage drop; ZnIn2S4 nanosheets; ZnIn2S4 nanosheets; Photocathodic protection; TiO2 NTs; SnO2 quantum dots; Stainless steel; Energy storage
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2022.166901

An effective ZnIn2S4 nanosheets/SnO2 quantum dots/TiO2 nanotubes (ZST NTs) composite was successfully synthesized by anodic oxidation, in-situ dipping, and hydrothermal methods. The photocurrent densities of the ZST NTs composites under visible light were as high as 715 μA cm−2, which was 25 times that of pure TiO2 NTs. The ZST NTs showed the largest open circuit potential drop (859.0 mV vs. SCE) when coupled with 316 stainless steel under illumination. These indicated that ZST NTs composites showed highly effective photocathodic protection on 316 stainless steel under visible light. This enhancement was mainly due to that ZnIn2S4 sensitization extended the light absorption into the visible region and heterostructure construction was beneficial for the separation of photogenerated charges. Interestingly, the composites could provide delayed protection of the protected metal for up to 10 h under dark conditions because the SnO2 quantum dots acted as energy storage layer, which was rather important for practical application. •ZnIn2S4 NSs/SnO2 QDs/TiO2 NTs composites were successfully synthesized.•This composite has good optical properties and high charge separation efficiency.•Under illumination, ZST NTs exhibit excellent photocathodic protection effect.•ZST NTs can store electrons and provide time-delay protection in dark state.