A facile method for rapid preparation of individual titania nanotube powders by a two-step process

Present study reports a facile method for preparing individual TiO2 nanotube (NT) powders by a two-step process, which includes that TiO2 NT bundles are rapidly synthesized by an electro-chemical process in perchlorate-containing electrolyte and then they are disaggregated into individual TiO2 NT powders under an assistance of ultrasonic oscillation treatment. Morphological and microstructural properties of the individual TiO2 NT powders are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Results indicate that the individual TiO2 NT powders, which have an outer diameter of about 20 nm and an inner diameter of 10 nm, can be easily obtained from the disaggregation of the TiO2 NT-bundles by combining the electrochemical process with the physical processing. Furthermore, the individual TiO2 NT powders exhibit higher photocatalytic activity than the TiO2 NT-bundle powders.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ Rapid and facile preparation of individual titania nanotube powders. ▶ Combination of the electrochemical process and the physical processing. ▶ Post ultrasonic treatment acts as the key factor to obtain the individual TiO2 NT powders. ▶ Individual TiO2 NTs powder owns higher photocatalytic activities.