Preparation of coaxial heterogeneous graphene quantum dot-sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays via linker molecule binding and electrophoretic deposition

Coaxial heterogeneous graphene quantum dot-sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays (GQDs/TNTs) are prepared by a coupling technique of linker molecule binding and electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The silane linker molecules act as a superb medium for integrating GQDs and TNTs by covalent amide linkage, thus preventing GQDs from clogging the tube entrances and forming a uniform GQD layer tightly attached to the inside tube walls during the following EPD process. By adjusting the time of EPD, appropriate thickness of the deposited GQDs in the internal tube walls of TNTs can be controlled. Compared to the pristine TNTs and GQDs/TNTs prepared by the conventional impregnation–precipitation method, the hybrids fabricated by EPD exhibit significantly enhanced photoelectrochemical water-splitting activity and photocatalytic organic dye decomposition performance for their broad photo-absorption range, fast separation of photogenerated charge, and stability.