Enhanced photoelectrochemical anticorrosion performance of WO 3 /TiO 2 nanotube composite films formed by anodization and electrodeposition

• DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2017.03.008
• Publication Date: 2017-03-09T10:02:13Z
• Authors: Yan Liang; Zi-Chao Guan; Hai-Peng Wang; Rong-Gui Du
• Keywords: Anodizing; Composite film; Photoelectrochemistry; Visible spectrum

Abstract An ordered TiO 2 nanotube film was first fabricated by anodization on a Ti substrate. WO 3 nanoparticles were then deposited on the film via potentiostatic electrodeposition with the aim of improving the photoelectrochemical properties of the film. In comparison with the plain TiO 2 film, the photoresponse of the WO 3 /TiO 2 nanotube composite film was shown to be enhanced in the visible region. When subjected to white light illumination, the WO 3 /TiO 2 composite film reduced the potential of the coupled 403 stainless steel in a 0.5 M NaCl solution by 370 mV (relative to its corrosion potential), demonstrating a good photoelectrochemical anticorrosion effect. It was found that even after the illumination had been switched off the composite film could provide cathodic protection for 19 h due to its charge storage capability.