Fabrication of Z-scheme MnFe2O4@SiO2/TiO2 composite used for 304 stainless steel photocathodic protection

TiO2 nanotubes have large specific surface area. Loading MnFe2O4 on the surface of TiO2 nanotube array can improve the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 and effectively inhibit the corrosion of 304SS. MnFe2O4@SiO2/TiO2 (MSTs) composites were prepared by hydrothermal method. In this study, the effect of doping SiO2 coated MnFe2O4 nanoparticles on the photoelectrochemistry of TiO2 was investigated. The results demonstrated that the doped composite films widen the absorption range of visible light and effectively improve the separation rate of photogenerated electrons and holes. In addition, MSTs can provide protection for 304SS under intermittent illumination for 12 h.