Electrochemical synthesis of nanosized TiO2 nanopowder involving choline chloride based ionic liquids

• TiO2 nanopowder electrochemically prepared using choline chloride based ionic liquids.
• The new proposed method allowed high anodic synthesis efficiencies of minimum 92%.
• High surface area of the electrochemically synthesized titania nanopowders.
• Enhanced photocatalytic activity.

The paper presents some experimental results regarding the electrochemical synthesis of TiO2 nanopowders through anodic dissolution of Ti metal in choline chloride based eutectic mixtures (DES). A detailed characterization of the obtained titania has been performed, using various techniques, including XRD, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, SEM associated with EDX analysis, BET and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The anodic behavior of Ti electrode in DES has been also investigated. The photoreactivity of the synthesized materials was evaluated for the degradation of Orange II dye under UV (λ = 365 nm) and visible light irradiation. An anodic synthesis efficiency of minimum 92% has been determined. The as-synthesized TiO2 showed amorphous structure and a calcination post-treatment at temperatures between 400 and 600 °C yielded anatase. The anodically obtained nanocrystalline oxides have crystallite sizes of 8–18 nm, a high surface area and enhanced photocatalytic effect.