Electrochemical synthesis of perovskite LaFeO3 nanoparticle-modified TiO2 nanotube arrays for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity

A series of perovskite LaFeO3 nanoparticle-decorated TiO2 nanotube arrays (LaFeO3/TiO2 NTAs) was constructed through an electrochemical method. This type of highly ordered TiO2 NTA was first prepared by anodizing Ti sheets. LaFeO3 nanoparticles with a diameter of 10-20 nm were then electrodeposited and well dispersed on the surface of the anatase TiO2 NTAs. The as-prepared LaFeO3 nanoparticle/TiO2 NTA heterostructure showed enhanced activity than individual TiO2 NTAs and LaFeO3 for the visible light degradation of methylene blue (MB) and excellent photochemical stability. The LaFeO3 nanoparticle-modified TiO2 NTAs exhibited broad visible light harvesting and facilitated electron-hole separation, which are responsible for the high photocatalytic degradation rate of MB. This finding demonstrates the importance of promoting charge separation and transfer in heterostructured photocatalysts and also highlights the promising role of inorganic perovskite materials in photocatalytic applications.