| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180114 | Electrochemistry Communications | 2011 | 4 Pages |
In the present work, we report on a facile and effective approach to significantly enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanotubes. The TiO2 nanotubes prepared by the electrochemical oxidation of titanium in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with 2% HF were treated in a methanol solution under UV light irradiation. In comparison with the untreated TiO2 nanotubes, the treatment resulted in a dramatic increase in the donor density of the TiO2 nanotubes by approximately 3 orders of magnitude. The treated TiO2 nanotubes exhibited a 15-fold enhancement in photocurrent and a 6.8-fold increase in the photoelectrochemical degradation of 4-nitrophenol, significant for hydrogen generation and wastewater treatment.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Fabrication of TiO2 nanotubes by electrochemical oxidation in DMSO with HF. ► Pretreatment of TiO2 nanotube arrays in methanol solution under UV irradiation. ► Dramatic enhancement in photocurrent and photoelectrochemical activity.
