Synthesis and applications of TiO2/ZnO hybrid nanostructures by ZnO deposition on TiO2 nanotubes using electrochemical processes

• Published in: Reviews in chemical engineering Vol. 39; no. 7; pp. 1153 - 1186
• Main Authors: Navarro-Gázquez, Pedro José, Muñoz-Portero, Maria J., Blasco-Tamarit, Encarna, Sánchez-Tovar, Rita, García-Antón, José
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin De Gruyter 26.10.2023; Walter de Gruyter GmbH
• Subjects: Chemical synthesis; Conduction bands; Deposition; Dye-sensitized solar cells; electrochemical anodization; electrodeposition process; Electromagnetic absorption; Gas sensors; Heterojunctions; Lithium-ion batteries; Nanorods; Nanostructure; Nanotubes; Nanowires; Organic compounds; Rechargeable batteries; Semiconductor materials; Stoichiometry; Thickness; TiO; Titanium dioxide; Water splitting; Zinc oxide; ZnO hybrid nanostructures
• ISSN: 0167-8299; 2191-0235
• DOI: 10.1515/revce-2021-0105

In recent years, TiO /ZnO hybrid nanostructures have been attracting the interest of the scientific community due to their excellent photoelectrochemical properties. The main advantage of TiO /ZnO hybrid nanostructures over other photocatalysts based on semiconductor materials lies in their ability to form heterojunctions in which the valence and conduction bands of both semiconductors are intercalated. This factor produces a decrease in the band gap and the recombination rate and an increase in the light absorption range. The aim of this review is to perform a revision of the main methods to synthesise TiO /ZnO hybrid nanostructures by ZnO deposition on TiO nanotubes using electrochemical processes. Electrochemical synthesis methods provide an easy, fast, and highly efficient route to carry out the synthesis of nanostructures such as nanowires, nanorods, nanotubes, etc. They allow us to control the stoichiometry, thickness and structure mainly by controlling the voltage, time, temperature, composition of the electrolyte, and concentration of monomers. In addition, a study of the most promising applications for TiO /ZnO hybrid nanostructures has been carried out. In this review, the applications of dye-sensitised solar cell, photoelectrocatalytic degradation of organic compounds, photoelectrochemical water splitting, gas sensors, and lithium-ion batteries have been highlighted.