Original Approach to Synthesize TiO2/ZnO Hybrid Nanosponges Used as Photoanodes for Photoelectrochemical Applications

[EN] In the present work, TiO2/ZnO hybrid nanosponges have been synthesized for the first time. First, TiO2 nanosponges were obtained by anodization under hydrodynamic conditions in a glycerol/water/NH4F electrolyte. Next, in order to achieve the anatase phase of TiO2 and improve its photocatalytic behaviour, the samples were annealed at 450 degrees C for 1 h. Once the TiO2 nanosponges were synthesized, TiO2/ZnO hybrid nanosponges were obtained by electrodeposition of ZnO on TiO2 nanosponges using different temperatures, times, and concentrations of zinc nitrate (Zn(NO3)(2)). TiO2/ZnO hybrid nanosponges were used as photoanodes in photoelectrochemical water splitting tests. The results indi…