The preparation of CuS/TiO nanotube arrays with high-active under visible light by ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal method.

Ultrasound provided a good dispersion of CuS on TiONTs. In order to prepare CuS/TiONTs with a good heterostructure, the CuS particles must establish contact with TiONTs uniformly. The hydrothermal process was divided into two phases, and different times of ultrasound were introduced before each stage. The effects of ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal method on the structure and photoelectric properties of CuS/TiONTs were investigated by SEM, XRD, photocurrent, and degradation of MB. The results show that the introduction of ultrasound before the hydrothermal treatment can cause damage to the TiONTs. However, the ultrasound between the two hydrothermal stages makes CuS distributed in the TiONTs uniformly, and the amount of CuS can be increased. The photocurrent reaches 32 mA/cm at 1.5 V, and meanwhile the photocatalytic activity under visible light is also improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]