Fabrication of CuInSe2 quantum dots sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays for enhancing visible light photoelectrochemical performance

The CuInSe 2 quantum dots sensitization of TiO 2 NTs was carried out by a successive ionic layer absorption and reaction method using Cu(Ac) 2 , InCl 3 as precursors at different deposition Cu/In molar ratio. The TiO 2 NTs/CISe largely enhanced the visible spectrum absorption, photocurrent response and degradation of rhodamine B under visible light irradiation. • CuInSe 2 QDs-sensitized TiO 2 nanotube arrays was prepared. • CuInSe 2 QDs with diameter of 9 nm was decorated onto the outer and inner surface of the TiO 2 NTs. • The TiO 2 NTs/CISe largely enhanced the photocurrent response and degradation of rhodamine B under visible light irradiation. The CuInSe 2 quantum dots (CuInSe 2 QDs) sensitization of TiO 2 nanotube arrays (TiO 2 NTs/CISe) was carried out by a successive ionic layer absorption and reaction (SILAR) method using Cu(Ac) 2 and InCl 3 as precursors at different Cu/In molar ratio. The deposition of CuInSe 2 QDs on the upper and inner surface of the TiO 2 NTs was confirmed by field emission scanning electron and transmission electron microscopes. UV-vis absorption and photoelectrochemical measurements indicated that the CuInSe 2 QDs sensitization extended the visible light absorption and photocurrent response. The results also showed that TiO 2 NTs/CISe largely enhanced the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation, and showed the excellent activity and stability.