ZnO(core)/TiO2(shell) composites : influence of TiO2 microstructure, N-doping and decoration with Au nanoparticles on photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical activity

The aim of the thesis is to study the influence of microstructure of ZnO/TiO2 composites on their properties in photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, and in photoassisted water oxidation. To realize such study we chose the design based on ZnO nanorods supported on ITO (Indium Tin Oxide)-coated glass electrode. The ZnO nanorods were then covered with a layer of TiO2 under different conditions. The composition and microstructure of the obtained ZnO(core)/TiO2(shell) composites were modified in the aim to elucidate how these parameters influence their photocatalytic activity. The results of studies lead to elaboration of two most distinctive variants of sol-gel procedure that allow to deposit TiO2 layers of controlled thicknesses and different morphology (rugged or compact). The composite containing the rugged TiO2 layer was shown to possess significantly higher activity in MB degradation and in photoassisted H2O oxidation under 400 nm. This improved photoactivity was attributed to a higher porosity and better accessibility of ZnO/TiO2 interface region through the rugged TiO2 layer by the reagents. The effort was also made to enhance the visible light activity of the composites. To this aim the composites consisting of ITO-supported ZnO nanorods covered with nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide and decorated with Au nanoparticles. It was found that even a low Au loading (0.37% at.) resulted in 60% enhancement of photocatalytic decolorization of MB under visible light with respect to the Au-free sample owing to plasmonic effects. A simultaneous N-doping and Au decoration allowed also to multiply by three the photocurrent in photoassited water oxidation.