Marangoni ring-templated vertically aligned ZnO nanotube arrays with enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production

Abstract

Here we report on a novel approach for the synthesis of vertically aligned hexagonal ZnO nanotube arrays. Ring-like structures were formed on substrate using the polymer-based seeding solution through the Marangoni mechanism, guiding the growth of ZnO nanotubes with aqueous chemical bath deposition. Photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation by water splitting on a ZnO nanotube anode is about three times as efficient as that on a similar ZnO nanorod anode.