Enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance of In₂O₃-loaded TiO₂ nanocubes with exposed (001) facet

Abstract

The heterostructures of In₂O₃ nanoparticle loaded on anatase TiO₂ nanocube with exposed (001) facet (In₂O₃/TiO₂-nanocube) were fabricated via a two-step hydrothermal process. The crystal phase, morphology, microstructure and photo-absorption property of the products were characterized by FESEM, TEM, XRD, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The results showed that the percentage of exposed (001) facet of TiO₂ nanocube was about 33%. In₂O₃ nanoparticles were successfully decorated on the surface of TiO₂ nanocube to form the In₂O₃/TiO₂ heterojunction. Photocurrent measurements confirmed that (001) faceted surface was advantageous for the charge carrier migration and separation in the composites. In comparison with bare TiO₂ nanocube and In₂O₃/TiO₂-nanoparticle, the In₂O₃/TiO₂-nanocube heterostructures exhibited enhanced activity toward the degradation of rhodamine B and tetracycline under visible light irradiation, which was attributed to the synergic effect of In₂O₃/TiO₂ heterojunction and the exposure of (001) facet.

Keywords

Photocatalytic activity / Heterojunction / Crystal facet / In₂O₃-loaded TiO₂ nanocubes

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