Photocatalytic Segmented Nanowires and Single-step Iron Oxide Nanotube Synthesis: Templated Electrodeposition as all-round Tool

Abstract

AbstractTemplated electrodeposition was used to synthesize silver-zinc oxide nanowires and iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanotubes in polycarbonate track etched (PCTE) membranes. Metal/oxide segmented nanowires were made to produce hydrogen gas from a water/methanol mixture under ultraviolet irradiation. It was observed that gas production increased during irradiation. Iron oxide nanotubes were synthesized via a gel synthesis route, avoiding clogging of the membrane pores during growth. The nanotubes formed without thermal after-treatment. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) revealed a completely amorphous iron oxide structure. By demonstrating the synthesis of photocatalytically active segmented nanowire and nanotubes without post-treatment steps, templated electrodeposition can be a versatile and low cost tool for nanowires with designed functionality or fast nanotube synthesis.