Enhancement of photoelectrochemical and photocathodic protection properties of TiO2 nanotube arrays by simple surface UV treatment

A simple and efficient surface treatment method toward practical applications to enhance photo response of TiO2 nanotube arrays (NTs) photoelectrode was reported. TiO2 NTs were prepared by two-step electrochemical anodization methods, following by surface ultra violet light (UV) illumination treatment, which can produce amounts of hydroxyl groups on the surface of TiO2 NTs photoelectrode. The photoelectrochemical measurements demonstrate that the photocurrent density of the UV treated TiO2 NTs photoelectrode enhances by 50% than that of the pristine TiO2 NTs photoelectrode. More interestingly, the decayed photocurrent density of TiO2 NTs can recover the high value by illumination treatment again after using/storing for several days. Additionally, open circuit potential, tafel curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements exhibit that the UV illumination treatment for TiO2 NTs photoelectrode is an easy and effective strategy to protect 304 stainless steel from corrosion by photogenerated cathode protection.