Biophotofuel cell anode containing self-organized titanium dioxide nanotube array

We made a biophotofuel cell consisting of a titanium dioxide nanotube array photosensitive anode for biomass decomposition, and a low-hydrogen overpotential metal, Pt, as the cathode for hydrogen production. The titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2 NTs) were prepared via electrochemical oxidation of pure Ti in NaF solutions. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the morphology of the nanotubes. The average diameter, wall thickness and length of the as-prepared TiO2 NTs were 88 ± 16 nm, 10 ± 2 nm and 491 ± 56 nm, respectively. Such dimensions are affected by the NaF concentration and the applied voltage during processing. Higher NaF concentrations result in the formation of longer and thicker nanotubes. The higher the voltage is, the thicker the nanotubes. The photosensitive anode made from the highly ordered TiO2 NTs has good photo-catalytic property, as can be seen from the test results of ethanol, apple vinegar, sugar and tissue paper decomposition under ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is concluded that the biophotofuel cell with the TiO2 nanotube photoanode and a Pt cathode can generate electricity, hydrogen and clean water depending on the pH value and the oxygen presence in the solutions.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights• A photoactive anode containing highly ordered TiO2 nanotube array was made and the formation mechanism of self-organized TiO2 nanotube array on Ti was revealed. • Effect of electrolyte concentration and voltage on the size distribution of the nanotubes was investigated. • Self-organized TiO2 nanotube array anode possesses good photo-catalytic behavior of biomass decomposition under ultraviolet (UV) radiation. • The fuel cell generates electricity and hydrogen via photoelectrochemical decomposition of ethanol, apple vinegar, sugar and tissue paper.