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Effects of synthesis conditions on dimensions, structure, and oxygen content of photocatalytically active titania nanotubes

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Abstract

In this study, we report a method for the formation and characterization of aligned arrays of amorphous titania nanotubes by anodic oxidation in thin titanium films on SiO2 substrates using fluoride-containing electrolytes. Trends in titania nanotube geometries as a function of synthesis conditions were established. A titania nanotube array surface area of approximately 178 m2/g is reported. The titania nanotubes transitioned to the rutile crystal structure when heated in air at 530 °C–705 °C. The degradation of methylene blue under UV light showed that lower fluoride concentrations in the synthesis electrolyte result in higher photocatalytic activity of the titania nanotubes. These results indicate that the synthesis conditions affect the oxygen content of amorphous nanotubes, which determines their physical and chemical properties.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA

    Elizabeth Ranney & Johannes Schwank

  2. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, USA

    Mansfield John & Kai Sun

Authors
  1. Elizabeth Ranney
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  2. Mansfield John
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  3. Kai Sun
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  4. Johannes Schwank
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Correspondence to Elizabeth Ranney.

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Ranney, E., John, M., Sun, K. et al. Effects of synthesis conditions on dimensions, structure, and oxygen content of photocatalytically active titania nanotubes. Journal of Materials Research 25, 89–95 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1557/JMR.2010.0011

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1557/JMR.2010.0011

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