Electrospinning directly synthesized metal nanoparticles decorated on both sidewalls of TiO2 nanotubes and their applications

The hybrid structure of nanoparticle-decorated nanotubes has the advantage of both large specific surface areas of nanoparticles and anisotropic properties of nanotubes, which is desirable for many applications. In this study, Ag nanoparticles on highly porous TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) on both internal and external sidewalls (Ag@TiO2@Ag NTs) are directly synthesized by emulsion electrospinning and thermal evaporation for the first time. The Ag@TiO2@Ag NT heterostructures, which have large surface-to-volume ratios, improved electrical conductivity, and an excellent material synergetic effect, demonstrate excellent electrochemical properties and superior photocatalytic performance. The new method for the synthesis of Ag@TiO2@Ag NT heterostructures can be applied to fabricate various types of other novel metal nanoparticles (for example Au and Pt) on highly porous nanotubes on both internal and external sidewalls. The possible growth mechanism and reasons for excellent electrochemical properties and superior photocatalytic performance were discussed in detail.