Synthesis of $TiO_2$ nantubes coupled with ${\alpha}-Fe_2O_3$ nanoparticles and investigation of their photoelectrochemical activity

$TiO_2$ nanotube arraysdecorated with ${\alpha}-Fe_2O_3$ were prepared by forming a nanotube-like $TiO_2$ film on a Ti sheet using an anodization process, followed by electrochemical deposition treatment to decorate hematite (${\alpha}-Fe_2O_3$) nanoparticles on the $TiO_2$ nanotube arrays. The SEM and XRD results revealed that the ${\alpha}-Fe_2O_3$ nanoparticles were homogeneously embedded on the surface of the $TiO_2$ nanotube arrays. The activity of hydrogen production by photocatalytic water decomposition for the ${\alpha}-Fe_2O_3/TiO_2$ nanotube array composite was examined under visible light irradiation.