3C-SiC nanocrystals/TiO2 nanotube heterostructures with enhanced photocatalytic performance

p-type ultrathin 3C-SiC nanocrystals are coated on heat-treated n-type TiO2 nanotube arrays formed by electrochemical etching of Ti sheets to produce heterostructured photocatalysts. Depending on the amounts of 3C-SiC nanocrystals on the TiO2 nanotubes, photocatalytic degradation of organic species can be enhanced. The intrinsic electric field induced by the heterojunction promotes separation of the photoexcited electrons-holes in both the TiO2 nanotubes and 3C-SiC nanocrystals. Hence, holes can more effectively travel to the surface of 3C-SiC nanocrystals and there are more electrons on the surface of TiO2 nanotubes consequently forming more •O2− and •OH species to degrade organic molecules.