Electrochemical Preparation and Photoelectric Properties of Cu_2O-loaded TiO_2 Nanotube Arrays

TiO2 nanotube （TNT） arrays were fabricated by anodic oxidation of titanium foil in a fluoride- based solution, on which Cu20 particles were loaded via galvanostatic pulse electrodeposition in cupric acetate solutions in the absence of any other additives. The structure and optical properties of Cu2O-loaded TiO2 nanotube arrays （Cu2O-TNTs） were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, X-ray diffraction （XRD） and UV-Vis absorption, and the photoelectrochemical performance was measured using an electrochemical work station with a three-electrode configuration. The results show that the Cu2O particles distribute uniformly on the highly ordered anatase TiO2 nanotube arrays. The morphologies of Cu2O crystals change from branched, truncated octahedrons to dispersive single octahedrons with increasing deposition current densities. The Cu2O- TNTs exhibited remarkable visible light responses with obvious visible light absorption and greatly enhanced visible light photoelectrochemical performance. The I-V characteristics under visible light irradiation show a distinct plateau in the region between approximately -0.3 and 0 V, resulting in higher open-circuit voltages and larger short-circuit currents with increased Cu2O deposition.

Photocatalytic decompositions of gaseous HCHO and methylene blue with highly ordered TiO_2 nanotube arrays

The highly ordered TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) were fabricated by the anodic oxidation method. Their morphology, structure and crystalline phase were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The effects of morphology, specific surface area, pore structures and photo catalytic activity of the TiO2 NTs were investigated. UV-vis spectra analysis showed that its light absorption had been extended to the visible light range. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared samples was evaluated by photocatalytic oxidation of gaseous HCHO and MB aqueous solution. The samples had better adhesion strength in the dark and showed a higher photocatalytic activity than nanoparticles. Especially, with ultraviolet light pretreatment, the nanotubes exhibited more stable active for photocatalytic decomposition and the photodecomposition rate remained at high level after 3 cycles of the photocatalysis experiment. Thus, how the number of surface active group center dot OH increased and the mechanism for the great improvement for the photocatalytic activity are discussed. (C) 2016 Science Press and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. and Science Press. All rights reserved.

Simple Method to Fabricate Au Nanoparticle-Decorated TiO2 Nanotube Arrays for Enhanced Visible Light Photocurrent

Au nanoparticle-decorated TiO2 nanotube arrays are prepared by a simple method, which is a thermal annealing thin gold film deposited on anodie oxidized TiO2 nanotube arrays. These electron microscope images present that Au nanoparticles are well dispersed within the wall and on the surface of the XiO2 nanotubes. Meanwhile, the morphologies of Au nanoparticles can be controlled by changing the thickness of the deposited gold film. Associ- ated with the excitation of localized surface plasmon resonances, the prepared Au nanoparticle-decorated TiO2 nanotube arrays could work as visible light responsive photocatalysts to produce a greatly enhanced photocurrent density. By varying the initial gold film thickness, such Au nanoparticle-decorated TiO2 nanotube arrays could be optimized to obtain the highest photocurrent generation efficiency in the visible and UV light regions.

Fast Growth of Highly Ordered TiO2 Nanotube Arrays on Si Substrate under High-Field Anodization

Highly ordered TiO_2 nanotube arrays(NTAs) on Si substrate possess broad applications due to its high surfaceto-volume ratio and novel functionalities, however, there are still some challenges on facile synthesis. Here, we report a simple and cost-effective high-field(90–180V) anodization method to grow highly ordered TiO_2 NTAs on Si substrate,and investigate the effect of anodization time, voltage, and fluoride content on the formation of TiO_2 NTAs. The current density–time curves, recorded during anodization processes, can be used to determine the optimum anodization time. It is found that the growth rate of TiO_2 NTAs is improved significantly under high field, which is nearly 8 times faster than that under low fields(40–60 V). The length and growth rate of the nanotubes are further increased with the increase of fluoride content in the electrolyte.

Highly ordered TiO_2 nano-pore arrays fabricated from a novel polymethylmethacrylate/polydimethylsiloxane soft template

A novel soft polymer template containing a double-layer structure,which includes a thin layer of polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA)used as a pattern layer and a thicker layer of polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS)used as a back layer,was fabricated from a replica molding process.Anodic aluminum oxide(AAO)template was used as the replica mold to be replicated to the polymethylmethacrylate layer by a thermal infiltration process under a vacuum condition.Results indicate that PMMA/PDMS soft templates with different sizes could be easily fabricated from the as-prepared AAO replica mold.The PMMA/PDMS soft templates were then employed to imprint a TiO_2 gel for achieving TiO_2 nano-pore arrays.After the imprinting process,the PDMS layer was firstly peeled off and the PMMA layer was then removed into acetonitrile,which can avoid any demolding problems like damages or distortions.The TiO_2 nano-pore arrays with the crystalline of anatase could be obtained at a heat treatment temperature of 450°C.

CdS Quantum Dots-sensitized TiO_2 Nanotube Arrays for Solar Cells

CdS quantum dots（QDs） sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays photoelectrodes were investigated for their photovoltaic performance of quantum dots-sensitized solar cells. The highly ordered TiO2 nanotube arrays（TNAs） were synthesized on Ti foils by anodic oxidation method. Then CdS quantum dots were deposited onto the TiO2 nanotube arrays by successive ionic layer absorption and reaction（SILAR） method to serve as the sensitizers. Cd（NO3）2 and Na2S were used as the precursor materials of Cd＋ and S2- ions, respectively. It is found that the CdS QDs sensitizer may significantly increase the light response of TiO2 nanotube arrays. With increasing CdS QDs deposition cycles, the visible light response increases. Maximum photocurrent was obtained for the QDs that have an absorption peak at about 500 nm. Under AM 1.5 G illuminations（100 mW cm^-2）, a 4.85 mA/cm^2 short circuit current density was achieved, and the maximium energy conversion efficiency of the asprepared CdS QDs-sensitized TNAs solar cells was obtained as high as 0.81% at five SILAR cycles.

Synthesis and photoelectrical performance of nanoscale PbS and Bi2S3 co-sensitized on TiO2 nanotube arrays

TiO2 films have been widely applied in photo- voltaic conversion techniques. TiO2 nanotube arrays （TiO2 NAs） can be grown directly on the surface of metal Ti by the anodic oxidation method. Bi2S3 and PbS nanoparticles （NPs） were firstly co-sensitized on TiOa NAs （denoted as PbS/Bi2S3（n）/TiO2 NAs） by a two-step process containing hydrothermal and sonication-assisted SILAR method. When the concentration of Bi3＋ is 5 mmol/L, the best photoelectrical performance was obtained under simulated solar irradiation. The short-circuit photocurrent （Jsc） and photoconversion efficiency （η） of PbS/Bi2S3（5）/TiO2 NAs electrode were 4.70 mA/cm and 1.13 %, respectively.

Fe、N共掺杂TiO_2纳米管阵列的制备及可见光光催化活性

应用电化学阳极氧化法结合浸渍和退火后处理制备了Fe和N共掺杂的TiO2纳米管阵列光催化剂,并用场发射扫描电镜(FESEM)、X射线衍射(XRD)、X射线光电子能谱(XPS)和俄歇电子能谱(AES)仪对其进行了表征.结果表明,Fe、N共掺杂对TiO2纳米管阵列的形貌和结构没有明显影响,Fe和N均掺入了TiO2晶格.紫外-可见(UV-Vis)漫反射光谱显示Fe和N共掺杂TiO2纳米管阵列的吸收带边较纯TiO2纳米管阵列和单一掺杂TiO2纳米管阵列红移,可见光吸收增强.以可见光催化降解罗丹明B(RhB)考察了材料的光催化活性,Fe和N共掺杂TiO2纳米管阵列对RhB的降解速率较纯TiO2纳米管阵列和单一掺杂TiO2纳米管阵列明显提高,证明了Fe、N共掺杂产生的协同效应提高了TiO2纳米管阵列在可见光照射下的光催化活性.

用模板法制备TiO_2纳米线阵列膜及光催化性能的研究

用溶胶 -凝胶技术在多孔阳极氧化铝模板的有序微孔内制备了高度取向的 Ti O2 纳米线阵列膜光催化剂 .用 XRD,AFM和 SEM等手段对样品进行了表征 .结果表明 ,Ti O2 纳米线阵列膜晶型为锐钛矿 ,从AFM图像中可以看出 Ti O2 纳米线线径分布均匀一致 ,取向性极好 ,直径与 AAO模板的孔径大小一致 .以其对吖啶橙的降解效果作为评价光催化活性的标准 ,与相同条件下制备的 Ti O2 /玻璃膜相比 ,Ti O2 纳米线阵列膜具有很好的催化活性 .

TiO_2纳米棒阵列光电化学性能的综合实验设计

运用水热合成路线制备出一种准直有序的TiO_2纳米棒阵列材料,采用XRD、SEM等手段对材料的形貌、结构进行表征,重点考察了TiCl_4预处理对TiO_2阵列光电化学性能的影响。结果表明,TiO_2纳米棒直径约150 nm,长度在2～3μm,整齐有序排列,其中经过60 mmol/L TiCl_4预处理的样品具有最佳的光电流密度。电化学阻抗谱结果表明,该样品的电极/电解液界面电荷转移电阻最小,这与该条件下得到的TiO_2纳米阵列的结晶质量增强有关。本实验原料廉价、操作简单,且涵盖多个知识点,不仅有利于培养本科生收集、整理、分析实验数据的技能,还可以培养他们发现问题和解决问题的综合创新能力。

Ti/TiO_2界面的整流特性研究

采用电化学阳极氧化法在钛片表面构筑了一层结构有序、纳米级的TiO2纳米管阵列膜层,考察了制备电压对TiO2纳米管阵列形貌和尺寸的影响,应用扫描电子显微镜(SEM)对膜层的形貌进行了表征,测量了Ti/TiO2界面的整流特性,研究了TiO2纳米管阵列膜层结构与Ti/TiO2界面的整流特性的关系。结果表明:制备电压对TiO2纳米管阵列的结构起到关键的作用,二氧化钛纳米管之所以具有整流特性是由于Ti/TiO2界面具有类似p-n结的性质。利用二氧化钛纳米管的整流特性,人们可以制备出各种性能优良的材料和器件。

Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting by g-C_3N_4/TiO_2 Nanotube Array Heterostructures

Well-ordered TiO_2 nanotube arrays(TNTAs)decorated with graphitic carbon nitride(g-C_3N_4) were fabricated by anodic oxidization and calcination process.First, TNTAs were prepared via the anodic oxidation of Ti foil in glycerol solution containing fluorinion and 20%deionized water. Subsequently, g-C_3N_4 film was hydrothermally grown on TNTAs via the hydrogen-bonded cyanuric acid melamine supramolecular complex. The results showed that g-C_3N_4 was successfully decorated on the TNTAs and the g-C_3N_4/TNTAs served as an efficient and stable photoanode for photoelectrochemical water splitting. The facile deposition method enables the fabrication of efficient and low-cost photoanodes for renewable energy applications.

基于TiO_2纳米管阵列的延伸型场效应晶体管pH传感器

基于延伸栅极型晶体管(EGFET)的pH传感器是新型溶液pH检测技术。该文将TiO_2纳米管阵列作为EGFET的延伸栅极,并详细研究了EGFET的pH敏感特性。得益于TiO_2纳米管阵列高比表面积和良好的化学稳定性,EGFET具有较宽的pH响应范围pH2～pH12,灵敏度为54.2 mV/pH,接近理论能斯特限值(59mV/pH),并且具有较低的迟滞(14. 3 mV)以及漂移率(2. 2 mV/h)。与传统玻璃式pH电极相比,EGFET pH传感器具有方便携带、快速响应、易与集成电路集成等特点,应用前景广泛。

TiO2纳米管阵列气敏性能研究进展

TiO 2纳米管阵列作为一种新型的TiO 2纳米材料,具有独特的管状阵列相貌结构和庞大的比表面积,是一种优异的金属氧化物半导体气敏材料.主要介绍了TiO 2纳米管阵列气敏性能的研究进展,包括金属氧化物半导体气敏材料敏感机理、TiO 2纳米管阵列对非氢气气体敏感性能和TiO 2纳米管阵列氢敏性能.

TiO_2纳米棒阵列微结构对全固态PbS量子点敏化太阳电池光伏性能的影响

利用水热法通过改变生长时间,成功地在透明SnO_2:F导电玻璃/TiO_2致密层基底上制备了三种长度、直径、面密度分别为460 nm、40 nm、340μm-2,630 nm、44 nm、330μm^(-2),720 nm、50 nm、320μm^(-2)的TiO_2纳米棒阵列,并通过旋涂辅助连续离子层吸附反应法制备PbS量子点、以spiro-OMe TAD为固态电解质,组装了全固态PbS量子点敏化TiO_2纳米棒阵列太阳电池,系统研究了TiO_2纳米棒阵列的微结构对PbS量子点的沉积和相应太阳电池光伏性能的影响。结果表明,基于TiO_2纳米棒阵列长度为460 nm、630 nm、720 nm微结构的太阳电池,其光电转换效率分别是2.17%、2.96%和2.74%。

Pool boiling on the superhydrophilic surface with TiO_2 nanotube arrays

Surface with TiO2 nanotube arrays(TNTAs)is superhydrophilic and of great specific area.This paper investigates the pool boiling characteristics at the thermal interface with TNTAs.The results show that the TNTAs interface can enhance the pool boiling heat transfer compared to the pure Ti metal plate.The bubbles formed at the initial nucleation state are very small and released in higher frequency.The pool boiling heat transfer enhancement at the TNTAs interface may be attributed to the high density of nucleate site,high intrinsic heating area of nanotubes layer,superhydrophilicity and the vertically oriented nanotube structure.

Single-crystal TiO2/SrTiO3 core–shell heterostructured nanowire arrays for enhanced photoelectrochemical performance

Vertically aligned TiO2/SrTiO3 core–shell heterostructured nanowire arrays with different shell thicknesses(5–40 nm)were fabricated on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrate via a hydrothermal process.Microstructural characterization demonstrated that the TiO2 nanowires were uniformly coated by the singlecrystal SrTiO3 shell,where continuous and large-area interface could be clearly observed.By this means,significantly enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting properties(0.78 mA·cm^-2 at 1.23 V vs.RHE)were successfully realized in well-designed sample(with a shell thickness of 5–10 nm)compared with those of pristine TiO2(0.38 mA·cm^-2 at 1.23 V vs.RHE).The improvement of photoelectrochemical properties was attributed to the improved charge injection and charge separation,which are calculated by the results of water oxidation and sulfite oxidation measurements.Based on these results,a mechanism was proposed that SrTiO3 shell acted as an electron–hole separation layer to improve the photocurrent density.On the other hand,the sample with an over-thick SrTiO3 shell(20–40 nm)exhibited slightly reduced photoelectrochemical properties(0.66 mA·cm^-2),which could be explained by the increase of the recombination rate in thethicker SrTiO3 shell.This work provided a facile strategy to improve and modulate the photoelectrochemical performance of heterostructured photoanodes.

Enhanced CH4 yield by photocatalytic CO2 reduction using TiO2 nanotube arrays grafted with Au, Ru, and ZnPd nanoparticles

Metal nanoparticle （NP） co-catalysts on metal oxide semiconductor supports are attracting attention as photocatalysts for a variety of chemical reactions. Related efforts seek to make and use Pt-free catalysts. In this regard, we report here enhanced CH4 formation rates of 25 and 60 μmol·g^-1·h^-1 by photocatalytic CO2 reduction using hitherto unused ZnPd NPs as well as Au and Ru NPs. The NPs are formed by colloidal synthesis and grafted onto short n-type anatase TiO2 nanotube arrays （TNAs）, grown anodically on transparent glass substrates. The interfacial electric fields in the NP-grafted TiO2 nanotubes were probed by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy （UPS）. Au NP-grafted TiO2 nanotubes （Au-TNAs） showed no band bending, but a depletion region was detected in Ru NP-grafted TNAs （Ru-TNAs） and an accumulation layer was observed in ZnPd NP-grafted TNAs （ZnPd-TNAs）. Temperature programmed desorption （TPD） experiments showed significantly greater CO2 adsorption on NP-grafted TNAs. TNAs with grafted NPs exhibit broader and more intense UV-visible absorption bands than bare TNAs. We found that CO2 photoreduction by nanoparticle-grafted TNAs was driven not only by ultraviolet photons with energies greater than the TiO2 band gap, but also by blue photons close to and below the anatase band edge. The enhanced rate of CO2 reduction is attributed to superior use of blue photons in the solar spectrum, excellent reactant adsorption, efficient charge transfer to adsorbates, and low recombination losses.

In situ growth of single-crystal TiO2 nanorod arrays on Ti substrate： Controllable synthesis and photoelectro- chemical water splitting

Despite one-dimensional （1D） semiconductor nanostructure arrays attracting increasing attention due to their many advantages, highly ordered TiO2 nanorod arrays （TiO2 NR） are rarely grown in situ on Ti substrates. Herein, a feasible method to fabricate TiO2 NRs on Ti substrates by using a through-mask anodization process is reported. Self-ordered anodic aluminum oxide （AAO） overlaid on Ti substrate was used as a nanotemplate to induce the growth of TiO2 NRs. The NR length and diameter could be controlled by adjusting anodization parameters such as electrochemical anodization voltage, anodization time and temperature, and electrolyte composition. Furthermore, according to the proposed NR formation mechanism, the anodized Ti ions migrate and deposit in the AAO nanochannels to form Ti（OH）4 or amorphous TiO2 NRs under electric field, owing to the confinement effect of the template. Photoelectrochemical tests indicated that, after hydrogenation, the TiO2 NRs presented higher photocurrent density under simulated sunlight and visible light illuminations, suggesting their potential use in photoelectrochemical water splitting, photocatalysis, solar cells, and sensors.

Fabrication, modification and environmental applications of TiO2 nanotube arrays （TNTAs） and nanoparticles

Among the semiconductors, titanium dioxide has been identified as an effective photocatalyst due to its abundance, low cost, stability, and superior electronic energy band structure. Highly ordered nanotube arrays of titania were produced by anodization and mild sonication. The band gap energy of the titania nanotube arrays was reduced to 2.6 eV by co-doping with Fe, C, N atoms using an electrolyte solution containing K3Fe（CN）6. The photo- conversion of phenol in a batch photoreactor increased to more than 18% based on the initial concentration of phenol by using a composite nanomaterial consisting of titania nanotube arrays and Pt/ZIF-8 nanoparticles. A layer-by- layer assembly technique for the deposition of titania nanoparticles was developed to fabricate air filters for the degradation of trace amounts of toluene in the air and preparation of superhyrophobic surfaces for oil-water separation and anti-corrosion surfaces.