Bi4Ti3O12/TiO2 heterostructure: Synthesis,characterization and enhanced photocatalytic activity

A multicomponent oxide, Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂/TiO₂ heterostructure was successfully synthesized via a two-step synthesis route based on an anodic oxidation procedure and a subsequent hydrothermal technique. X-ray diffraction confirmed that the composition of the as-fabricated sample was a Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂/TiO₂ composite. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy observation reveals that the as-synthesized sample consisted of TiO₂ nanotubes decorated with Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ nanocubes. The photocatalytic property of Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂/TiO₂ heterostructure was evaluated by decomposing methyl orange as a model organic compound. Compared with the unmodified TiO₂ nanotube arrays, Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂/TiO₂ heterostructure exhibits a higher photocatalytic activity in the decomposition of methyl orange under UV light. The prominent photocatalytic activity could be ascribed to the formation of the heterostructure between Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ and TiO₂ as well as a good dispersity of Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ nanocubes, which could effectively separate the photogenerated carriers and reduce the electron–hole recombination.