Abstract
The focus of this study was to improve the photoelectrochemical properties of Ni@TiO2 NT nanocomposites by modifying the synthesis conditions, specifically the deposition voltages of nickel nanoparticles. Ni@TiO2 NT nanocomposites on titanium foil (Ti) were compared to the TiO2 NT/Ti photoelectrode in terms of their photoelectrochemical characteristic. Ni@TiO2 NT nanocomposites with various sizes of Ni nanoparticles were successfully prepared using a low cost and eco-friendlily approach (electrochemical deposition process). The effect of deposition voltages on the deposition characteristics of nickel nanoparticles is explored. An X-ray diffractometer was used to ascertain the phase structure of the nanocomposites. Whilst the field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) coupled with the energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer (EDX) was employed to examine the surface morphology and the elements that make up the photoelectrode. Moreover, UV–Visible Diffusion Reflectance Spectroscopy was used to determine the absorption spectrum as well as quantify the energy gaps for the prepared photoelectrodes. The bare TiO2 nanotube (TiO2 NT) and Ni@ TiO2 NT nanocomposites were evaluated for their photoelectrochemical properties using the linear sweep voltammetry technique. The findings confirmed that the size of nickel nanoparticles deposited on titania nanotubes has a direct effect on the photoelectrochemical properties of the prepared photoelectrodes. The Ni@TiO2 NT photoelectrode prepared at 4 V possessed a higher photocurrent density (5.06 mA cm−2) that was approximately 169 times greater than that of the bare TiO2. Therefore, the Ni@TiO2 NT nanocomposite can be applied as a photoanode in photoelectrochemical implementations based on the results obtained.
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Special gratitude is extended to the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia.
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All authors participated in the study notion and planning. Data collection, methodology, and examination were done by AKA and YCL, while AAB, AAAZ, and AMH contributed to the visualization and discussion with AKA. Writing of the original draft preparation was achieved by AKA, while YCL provided the writing—reviewing, and editing. All authors read and accepted the final manuscript.
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Ayal, A.K., Baqer, A.A., Al-Zahrani, A.A. et al. Nickel depositing in TiO2 nanotube photoanode with promoted photoelectrochemical response. Braz. J. Chem. Eng. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43153-023-00413-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43153-023-00413-z