Abstract
TiO2 multi-walled nanotube arrays (MWNTAs) were synthesized by atomic layer deposition (ALD) using anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) as the template. TiO2 and Al2O3 layers were alternately deposited into the AAO pores by ALD. The tube thickness and the gap span were controlled by the ALD cycle numbers of TiO2 and Al2O 3, respectively. A MWNT composed of two or three concentric tubes with different diameters was formed after removal of Al2O 3. Silver nanoparticles were then deposited on both inner and outer surfaces of the tubes by photochemical reduction. Degradation of methylene blue was carried out to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of bare and silver-loaded TiO2 MWNTAs. It was found that the amount of TiO 2, the reaction surface area, the crystalline phase, and silver modification were the factors to determine the photocatalytic activity. The triple-walled MWNTAs showed the best performance, and Ag loading further enhanced the activity. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2013.