Au/CQDs‐TiO2 composite nanorod array film with simple preparation route and enhanced visible light response

Abstract

Abstract This paper successfully prepared a unique titanium dioxide nanorod arrays nanocomposite doped with carbon quantum dots and gold nanoparticles as a high‐efficiency photocatalyst. Due to their enhanced electron–hole separation efficiency and strong light‐scattering effects, one‐dimensional nanostructured titanium dioxide nanorods were utilised as the basic material for photocatalysis. Furthermore, gold nanoparticles and carbon quantum dots modified on the surface of titanium dioxide nanorods were used as visible light absorbers and photosensitisers, respectively. As a result, a photocurrent of 14 mA·cm‐2 was achieved by Au/CQDs‐TiO2 nanorods composite in the photoelectrochemical measurements, which exceed five times that of pure titanium dioxide nanorods. The synergistic effect of gold nanoparticles and carbon quantum dots was demonstrated by several characterisation techniques. The proposed Au/CQDs‐TiO2 nanorods nanocomposite film developed by simple successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction and hydrothermal methods offers a practical solution for current environmental and energy issues.