A photoelectrochemical study of CdS modified TiO2 nanotube arrays as photoanodes for cathodic protection of stainless steel

An electrodeposited CdS nanoparticles-modified highly-ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays (CdS–TNs) photoelectrode and its performance of photocathodic protection are reported. The self-organized TiO2 nanotube arrays are fabricated by electrochemical anodization in an organic–inorganic mixed electrolyte and sensitized with CdS nanoparticles by electrodeposition via a single-step direct current. The morphology, crystalline phase, and composition of the CdS–TNs films were characterized systematically by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, respectively. The photoelectrochemical performances of the CdS–TNs film under illumination and dark conditions in 0.5 M NaCl solution were evaluated through the electrochemical measurements. It is indicated that the TNs incorporated by CdS effectively harvest solar light in the UV as well as the visible light (up to 480 nm) region. It is supposed that the high photoelectro-response activity of the CdS–TNs is attributed to the increased efficiency of charge separation and transport of electrons. The electrode potentials of 304 stainless steel coupled with the CdS–TNs is found to be negatively shifted for about 246 mV and 215 mV under UV and white light irradiation, respectively, which can be remained for 24 h even in darkness. It is implied that the CdS–TNs are able to effectively function a photogenerated cathodic protection for metals both under the UV and visible light illumination.