Self-organized TiO₂ nanotubes: Visible light activation by Ni oxide nanoparticle decoration

Self-organized TiO₂ nanotubes grown by anodization of Ti-substrate in a fluoride based electrolyte were loaded with Ni oxide nanoparticles by a simple chemical bath precipitation technique. The photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic activities of these nanoparticle decorated nanotubes were investigated. In comparison with the classical approaches to enhance the visible light response of TiO₂ nanotubes (N-doping), the Ni oxide loaded nanotube layers show clearly a higher visible light photoresponse and photocatalytic activity.