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Enhanced photoelectrochemical activity of detached TiO₂ nanotube films via time-controlled electrodeposition Au nanoarchitectures

Abstract TiO 2 nanotubes detached films decorated with gold nanoparticles (TiO 2 NTs-AuNPs) represent an effective strategy to enhance light harvesting in photoanodes.

By Sarto, Martins, Cervantes +1Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry

Score████░░░░░░4.3

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Abstract

Abstract TiO 2 nanotubes detached films decorated with gold nanoparticles (TiO 2 NTs-AuNPs) represent an effective strategy to enhance light harvesting in photoanodes. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), transient photocurrent (TP), Mott-Schottky analysis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). XRD and Raman analyses confirmed the anatase phase of TiO 2 NTs, while Raman also revealed shifts in the active modes associated with the stabilization of self-doping states and the formation of vacancies/defects AuNPs incorporation. FEG-SEM images showed well-organized TiO₂NTs with average diameters of 78.1 ± 14.4 nm and globular structures homogeneously distributed on the surface, attributed to AuNPs. DRS spectra and Tauc plot analysis indicated a slight reduction in the bandgap energy as the AuNPs content increased. TP measurements showed that pristine TiO₂NTs reached a photocurrent density of 0.19 mA cm –2 , whereas TiO₂NTs-AuNPs prepared with electrodeposition times of 60 and 80 s achieved values near to 1.00 mA cm –2 , attributed to, according to Mott-Schottky analysis, the smallest energy difference between the Fermi level and the conduction band of TiO₂ for those samples, indicating a close relationship between morphology, (nanoarchitecture) energy levels, and photocurrent efficiency. EIS analysis revealed a significant decrease in charge transfer resistance in TiO 2 NTs-AuNPs, even when not exposed to UV radiation, causing significant changes in the electrode properties. The proposed photoanode exhibited exceptional photocurrent performance while operating under lower applied potential and less powerful radiation sources, demonstrating their strong potential as an efficient photoelectrochemical platform.

Gabrielle Sarto, João V. Martins, Thiago Nogueira Marques Cervantes, Lucio César de Almeida

The editor's rubric

Heuristic review

DimensionLevelWeightWhat that level means
Leverage███░░ 316%A method or resource many groups across the field will adopt within a year.
Magnitude██░░░ 220%Solid incremental gain on a meaningful problem.
Evidence███░░ 320%Solid: multiple benchmarks or cohorts, ablations, fair baselines, released code or data.
Novelty██░░░ 210%A new combination of known ideas.
Trajectory███░░ 314%A clear path to scale.
Stakes███░░ 320%Meaningful benefit to many people within a few years.

Editor’s rationale

Heuristic triage from title and abstract text only, not a reading of the paper. Cues found: method (new method); breadth (programmable); verification (error bars, independent replication); scale (efficient); stakes (energy, climate).

How the score was computed

rank-2026-09-29

Score████░░░░░░4.3

Score = 10 × (75% × adjusted merit / 10 + 15% × attention + 10% × freshness)

Merit
5.4 / 10
Weighted rubric, evidence-gated.
Adjusted merit
4.6 / 10
Shrunk toward the desk prior by editor confidence (44%).
Attention
0%
Citations, upvotes, points, mentions.
Freshness
84%
Half-life decay since publication.
  • Citations0 (reference 15, via openalex, Sep 29, 2026, 23:38 UTC)
  • Field-weighted citation impact0 (reference 3, via openalex, Sep 29, 2026, 23:38 UTC)

The record

  • Reviewed by heuristic-v2 on Sep 29, 2026, 23:53 UTC. Paper type: method.
  • Categories: TiO2 Photocatalysis and Solar Cells, Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques, Iron oxide chemistry and applications, Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment, Energy
  • BRIEF, No.8 in the Climate & Energy edition of September 30, 2026.
  • TOP, No.6 in the Climate & Energy edition of September 29, 2026.