Bi4Ti3O12/TiO2 heterostructure: Synthesis, characterization and enhanced photocatalytic activity

A multicomponent oxide, Bi4Ti3O12/TiO2 heterostructure was successfully synthesized via a two-step synthesis route based on an anodic oxidation procedure and a subsequent hydrothermal technique. X-ray diffraction confirmed that the composition of the as-fabricated sample was a Bi4Ti3O12/TiO2 composite. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy observation reveals that the as-synthesized sample consisted of TiO2 nanotubes decorated with Bi4Ti3O12 nanocubes. The photocatalytic property of Bi4Ti3O12/TiO2 heterostructure was evaluated by decomposing methyl orange as a model organic compound. Compared with the unmodified TiO2 nanotube arrays, Bi4Ti3O12/TiO2 heterostructure exhibits a higher photocatalytic activity in the decomposition of methyl orange under UV light. The prominent photocatalytic activity could be ascribed to the formation of the heterostructure between Bi4Ti3O12 and TiO2 as well as a good dispersity of Bi4Ti3O12 nanocubes, which could effectively separate the photogenerated carriers and reduce the electron–hole recombination.