Optics and Photonics Society of Iran

In this research, we report on production of ordered TiO2 nanotubes arrays (TNA) via anodizeation method and covering their surface by Ag nanoparticles using a sequential-chemical bath deposition method. The Ag/TNT samples show a greater optical absorbance in the UV-Visible region owing to the surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoparticles. Based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, the produced samples consist of vertically ordered TiO2 nanotubes arrays with silver nanoparticles covering them. The photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of the prepared samples were studied using transient photocurrent measurements in a standard PEC cell. Compared to pure TNT, the Ag loaded samples show a higher photoelectrochemical activity. The results demonstrate an efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs leading to an increment in the lifetime of charge carriers in the Ag/TNT nanostructures.