A novel TiO2 nanotube arrays/MgTixOy multiphase-heterojunction film with high efficiency for photoelectrochemical cathodic protection

Abstract Heterojunction engineering, as a rising star in the photoelectrochemical cathodic protection (PECCP) field, contributes to promote the separation of the photoinduced electrons and holes. In this paper, the TiO2/MgTixOy multiphase-heterojunction film was prepared and its PECCP performance was studied. Due to a good energy band alignment gradient formed between the multiphases, the separation efficiency of the photoinduced electrons and holes generated by TiO2/MgTixOy are dramatically enhanced, leading to its good PECCP performance and high stability. SKP is, for the first time, used to study the surface work function of the TiO2/MgTixOy multiphase-heterojunction film for characterizing its PECCP performance.