A novel route for self-assembly of gold nanoparticle–TiO2 nanotube array (Au/TNTs) heterostructure for versatile catalytic applications: pinpoint position via hierarchically dendritic ligand

We have developed an efficient self-assembly strategy to readily achieve well-defined Au/TNTs heterostructure based on robust as well as multilayered dendritic dithiolated diethylenetriaminepentaacetic (DTDTPA) ligand as bridging medium. Versatile catalytic performances of the hybrid system were investigated.