In situ deposition of Ag-Ag2S hybrid nanoparticles onto TiO2 nanotube arrays towards fabrication of photoelectrodes with high visible light photoelectrochemical properties.

Ag-Ag2S hybrid nanoparticles were deposited onto Anatase anodic TiO2 nanotubular arrays via a one-step in situ hydrothermal method. Characterization was carried out using FE-SEM, HRTEM, XRD, XPS and UV-vis DRS. The fabricated nano-composites exhibit high visible light-sensitivity and photocurrent output as photoanodes in photoelectrochemical applications. The outstanding performance of the final composite is attributed to the surface plasmonic resonance effect of Ag, which is further enhanced by an Ag2S outer-layer.