Preparation of TiO2 nanotube arrays with efficient photocatalytic performance and super-hydrophilic properties utilizing anodized voltage method

Abstract

In this paper, TiO2 nanotube arrays were prepared by anodic oxidation method. The effects of anodization voltage, sample annealing on the morphology and crystal form of TiO2 nanotube arrays were studied systematically. The properties of TiO2 nanotubes under different oxidation voltages were investigated by Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, hydrophilicity test and photodegradation test. Through specific data, we found that the contact angle is closely related to the photocatalytic performance. At the same time, we found that TiO2 nanotubes have super hydrophilic and highly efficient photocatalytic properties under optimal oxidation voltage conditions. Next, we used TiO2 nanotubes prepared under different voltages as photoanodes to prepare dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), and tested the photoelectric properties. The dye-sensitized solar cell using TiO2 nanotubes prepared under optimal oxidation voltage conditions as a photoanode has the best photoelectric conversion efficiency. Keywords: TiO2 nanotubes, Anodic oxidation method, Photoelectric performance, Super hydrophilic, Photocatalytic