Hydrothermal synthesis of TiO2 nanorods arrays on ITO

Here we report a self-induced catalyst-free preparation of TiO2 nanorods arrays by hydrothermal method. TiCl4, H2O, and HCl were used as the titanium precursor, oxygen source, and inhibitors, respectively. TiO2 nanorods arrays were successfully formed on the ITO conductive film with high density. SEM results showed that the quadrate nanorods were approximately 2 μm long and quadrate side length was about 50-230 nm. The TiO2 nanorods grow along perpendicular to the [101] direction of the tetragonal anatase TiO2 crystal from the bottom with the tip being pushed upwards. The contact angel of TiO2 nanorods after ultraviolet irradiation was under to 0°, and which exhibited excellent hydrophilic property. After 2 h photocatalytic reaction, the degradation rate of acid red and methyl orange could reach to 92.83% and 97.89%, respectively. The degradation rate of methyl orange and acid red still remained at 88% and 85% after 10 cycles, respectively. These results showed that TiO2 nanorods have great photocatalytic capability.