Thermal treatment and environment effect on transient photoconductivity behavior of anatase TiO2 with dominant {0 0 1} facets

Nanosized anatase TiO2 powders with dominant {0 0 1} facets were prepared by solvothermal reaction of titanium isopropoxide in the presence of hydrofluoric acid as a capping agent. Two kinds of samples, as prepared and calcinated at 600 °C were fabricated and their UV–Visible and transient photoconductivity were investigated in vacuum and in air. The photoconductivity reaches high values and is sensitive on the environment. Thermal treatment improves the crystalline quality and enhances the amount of created excess charge carriers.

► Anatase TiO2 with {0 0 1} facets were synthesized by a solvothermal method. ► Thermal treatment and environment influence significantly photoconductivity values. ► Thermal treatment enhances transient photoconductivity about an order of magnitude. ► A high decrease in photoconductivity values is noticed in air.