Two novel hierarchical homogeneous nanoarchitectures of TiO(2 )nanorods branched and P25-coated TiO(2 )nanotube arrays and their photocurrent performances

We report here for the first time the synthesis of two novel hierarchical homogeneous nanoarchitectures of TiO(2 )nanorods branched TiO(2 )nanotube arrays (BTs) and P25-coated TiO(2 )nanotube arrays (PCTs) using two-step method including electrochemical anodization and hydrothermal modification process. Then the photocurrent densities versus applied potentials of BTs, PCTs, and pure TiO(2 )nanotube arrays (TNTAs) were investigated as well. Interestingly, at -0.11 V and under the same illumination condition, the photocurrent densities of BTs and PCTs show more than 1.5 and 1 times higher than that of pure TNTAs, respectively, which can be mainly attributed to significant improvement of the light-absorbing and charge-harvesting efficiency resulting from both larger and rougher surface areas of BTs and PCTs. Furthermore, these dramatic improvements suggest that BTs and PCTs will achieve better photoelectric conversion efficiency and become the promising candidates for applications in DSSCs, sensors, and photocatalysis.