High photoelectrochemical water splitting performance on nitrogen doped double-wall TiO2 nanotube array electrodes

The nitrogen doped double-wall TiO2 nanotube arrays (N-DW-TiO2 NTs) have been prepared by a facile two steps electrochemical anodization method, and the nitrogen has been successfully incorporated into the nanotubes in situ anodization process. The unique double walls tubular surface morphology has been achieved by conducting higher anodic voltage in second anodization process than that in the first anodized step. The nitrogen doping and following annealed process in nitrogen atmosphere did not damage the unique, ordered, and vertically aligned structures. Under illumination of simulated solar light (AM 1.5, 100 mW/cm2), the N-DW-TiO2 NTs presented a high photoelectrochemical water splitting performance, which mainly ascribed to the high surface areas and expended optical absorbance to visible light region. The high surface areas, ordered structure for facilitating electron transfer, and visible light absorbance present the new avenue for improving the solar light application in photoelectrochemical water splitting process for practical hydrogen generation. The N-DW-TiO2 NTs can be one of promising prototype nanomaterials, and much higher photoconversion efficiency can be expected for the co-doped or sensitized on the N-DW-TiO2 NTs.

► The double walls TiO2 nanotube was fabricated with an anodization method.
► The nitrogen was incorporated in situ anodization process.
► The photoelectrochemical water splitting performance was tested on the TiO2 nanotube electrode.
► High photoconversion efficiency of 1.26 was achieved.