title: Self-organized TiO2 nanotube arrays: synthesis by anodization in an ionic liquid and assessment of photocatalytic properties.
abstract: Self-organized TiO(2) nanotube (NT) arrays were produced by anodization in ethylene glycol (EG) electrolytes containing 1-n-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMI.BF(4)) ionic liquid and water. The morphology of the as-formed NTs was considerably affected by changing the anodization time, voltage, and water and ionic liquid electrolyte concentrations. In general, a nanoporous layer was formed on the top surface of the TiO(2) NTs, except for anodization at 100 V with 1 vol % of BMI.BF(4), where the NT's mouth was revealed. The length and bottom diameter of the NTs as well as the pore diameter of the top layer showed a linear relationship with increased anodization voltage. These TiO(2) NTs were tested as photocatalysts for methyl orange photodegradation and hydrogen evolution from water/methanol solutions by UV light irradiation. The results show that the TiO(2) NTs obtained by anodization in EG/H(2)O/BMI.BF(4) electrolytes are active and efficient for both applications.
authors: Laboratório de Filmes Finos e Fabricação de Nanoestruturas (L3Fnano), UFRGS, Instituto de Física, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, P.O. Box 15051, 91501-970, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. durao@if.ufrgs.br
authors: Heberton
authors: H
authors: Wender
authors: Adriano F
authors: AF
authors: Feil
authors: Leonardo B
authors: LB
authors: Diaz
authors: Camila S
authors: CS
authors: Ribeiro
authors: Guilherme J
authors: GJ
authors: Machado
authors: Pedro
authors: P
authors: Migowski
authors: Daniel E
authors: DE
authors: Weibel
authors: Jairton
authors: J
authors: Dupont
authors: Sérgio R
authors: SR
authors: Teixeira
mesh_terms: D001391:Azo Compounds / Q000378:metabolism; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000378:metabolism; D052578:Ionic Liquids; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D055668:Photochemical Processes; D014025:Titanium
chemical_list: D001391:Azo Compounds; D052578:Ionic Liquids; C009495:titanium dioxide; C100258:methyl orange; D006859:Hydrogen; D014025:Titanium