Ag-Ag2S quantum-dots modified TiO2 nanorod arrays with enhanced photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic properties

In this paper, highly ordered titanium dioxide nanorod (TNR) arrays decorated with Ag-Ag2S quantum-dots (QDs) were synthesized on FTO substrate through hydrothermal treatment and in-situ vulcanization. The content of Ag2S QDs on Ag/TNR was controlled by changing the immersion time of Ag/TNR in the N-N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) solution containing dissolved sulfur element. The morphology, structure, composition and optical, photoelectric and photocatalytic properties of QDs/TNR arrays were studied in detail. In the visible range, the QDs/TNR array with a soaking time of 12 h exhibits the maximal photocurrent density (0.082 mA/cm2) and photodegradation rate (62.2%), which is 5.5 and 1.85 times higher than that of pure TNR. The improvement of these properties could be attributed to synergy effect between Ag and Ag2S materials. That is, Ag QDs can stably capture and transmit photo-generated electrons from the TNR surface, whereas the Ag2S promoter is regarded as the interface active sites to enhance photocatalytic reactions. Therefore, the synergistic effect of Ag-Ag2S can significantly enhance the photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic properties of the TNR arrays. •Synergistic effect between Ag-Ag2S inhibits recombination of electron-hole pairs.•Ag-Ag2S quantum dots (QDs) sensitized TiO2 nanorod arrays (TNR) increases absorption of visible light.•QDs/TNR shows the highest photocurrent and photodegradation efficiency.