Light-assisted anodized TiO₂ nanotube arrays.
Self-assembled arrays of titania nanotubes are synthesized via electrochemical anodization of Ti foils under the presence of UV-vis irradiation. Compared to control samples (anodized without light), the light-assisted anodized samples exhibit larger diameters as well as thicker nanotube walls, whereas the length of the nanotubes remains the same under otherwise similar synthesis conditions. Enhanced photoelectrochemical performance with light-assisted anodized samples under simulated AM 1.5 irradiation is observed by an increase in photocurrent density of 45-73% at 1.23 V (RHE). The enhanced photoelectrochemical performance is correlated to improved charge separation analyzed by Mott-Schottky. A mechanism on the photoeffect during anodization is presented. The morphology and improved properties obtained from the synthesis methodology may also find application in other fields such as sensing and catalysis.
Metallurgical Engineering Department, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA.
York R
YR
Smith
Biplab
B
Sarma
Swomitra K
SK
Mohanty
Mano
M
Misra
D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods*; D004566:Electrodes; D004595:Electroplating / Q000379:methods*; D008027:Light; D008422:Materials Testing; D008968:Molecular Conformation / Q000528:radiation effects; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010316:Particle Size; D013499:Surface Properties / Q000528:radiation effects; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects*
C009495:titanium dioxide; D014025:Titanium