• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.251-255
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• 2009

Nanocomposites based on coupling $TiO_2$ matrix with nanosized noble metals (Pt,Au) particles exhibited promising photoelectrode properties. The $M/TiO_2$ (M=Pt,Au) nanocomposite thin films were deposited on quartz and ITO glass substrates using a co-sputtering method. $TiO_2$ in rutile form is the dominant crystalline phase for as-deposited nanocomposite films. Along with heat treatment up to $600^{\circ}C$, XRD peaks of the rutile phase as well as those of noble metal increased in intensity and decreased in width, indicating the growth of crystallites. The anodic photocurrents of $M/TiO_2$ (M=Au,Pt) thin films were observed not only in the UV range but also in the visible light range. The photocurrent of the nanocomnosite films extended to the visible light region by dispersion of nano-sized noble metal in the $TiO_2$ matrix.