Immobilizing semiconductor particles by occlusion electrosynthesis in an oxide film matrix: the titania model case

An occlusion electrosynthesis method for preparing semiconductor-based composite films, is illustrated by dispersing Degussa P-25 titania particles in a titania film matrix supported on a transparent conducting oxide (TCO) electrode. The titania film matrix was cathodically deposited on the TCO surface. The resultant composite film has superior photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical properties relative to an electrosynthesized titania film containing no occluded particles. An important feature of the methodology described here is that the semiconductor particles can be separately prepared, optimized or otherwise tailored for a specific application, prior to their occlusion within the continuous phase matrix. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.