Interface junction at anatase/rutile in mixed-phase TiO2: Formation and photo-generated charge carriers properties

Nanosized TiO2 photocatalysts of anatase, rutile and mixed-phase were synthesized through hydrolysis method. The influence of the interface junction between anatase and rutile TiO2 on the photo-generated charge carriers properties were studied by Kelvin probe (KP), surface photovoltage (SPV) and transient photovoltage (TPV) techniques. The KP results revealed that the difference of the surface work function between anatase and rutile might cause the formation of built-in field at the interface in mixed-phase TiO2. The role of the interface junction was further testified through the characteristics of photo-generated charge carriers by SPV and TPV.