Influence of High-energy electron-beam on photocatalytic activity of TiO2 films on carbon-fiber deposited by atomic layer deposition

High-energy electron-beam with energy of 1 MeV was used for modifying surface structure of TiO2 thin films on carbon fiber prepared by using atomic layer deposition under atmospheric pressure. TiO2 nanoparticles (∼20 nm) on carbon fiber underwent structural modification of the surface upon electron-beam treatment, resulting in enhanced photocatalytic activity. In contrast, a thicker film of TiO2 did not show such changes in surface structure and photocatalytic activity by electron-beam treatment. We demonstrate that electron-beam can be used for modifying surface structure of photocatalysts consisting of nanoparticles for improvement of their activity.

► Electron-beam was used for modifying surface of TiO2 on carbon fiber. ► TiO2 with various structures were prepared by atomic layer deposition. ► Photocatalytic activity of TiO2/carbon was enhanced by e-beam.