Visible-light photocatalytic degradation of dyes by TiO<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si45.svg" display="inline" id="d1e589"><mml:msub><mml:mrow /><mml:mrow><mml:mn>2</mml:mn></mml:mrow></mml:msub></mml:math>–Au inverse opal films synthesized by Atomic Layer Deposition

TiO2–Au composite planar films and inverse opals were synthesized by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) using Direct Liquid Injection for TiO2 deposition the injection of preformed Au nanoparticles (NPs). A few nanometers thick layer was deposited after NPs. Thermal annealing at 380 °C allowed to remove polystyrene beads template form anatase TiO2. The obtained have a layered structure hollow spheres interconnected channels formed contacts. NPs are homogeneously distributed on surface. Their localized surface plasmon resonance (SPR) 587 nm confirm that they embedded in These photocatalysts tested degradation methylene blue solutions under visible-light illumination. significant photocatalytic effect is reported with 95% 7 h exposure only opal. This results from transfer hot electrons excited their SPR conduction band They generate reactive oxygen species which involved initial stage MB degradation. highlight potential ALD fabrication complex structures application photocatalysis.