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TiO2 nanotubes and its composites: Photocatalytic and other photo-driven applications

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Abstract

This article describes the multifunctional applications of TiO2. It substantiates the universality of the anodization process to grow well-ordered TiOxnanotube (T–NT) of hollow cylindrical shape on a variety of planar and nonplanar substrates. It highlights an approach to effectively bring down the cost of anodization via utilization of a small volume of electrolyte. The multifunctionality of these nanostructures is highlighted through representative examples that illustrate wide ranging optical, electronic, and catalytic properties. Combining the T–NT with other materials such as metals and photoactive additives to form composite nanostructures has been shown to benefit photocatalysis, photovoltaics, biological processes, and environment-related applications. This article also demonstrates the applicability of T–NT as an agent to produce dissolved oxygen in simulated blood—an application that can assist in the development of artificial lungs. Key results from the research group, collaborations, and recent articles are highlighted.

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Acknowledgments

This work highlights the contributions from the works of Subramanian group members—York smith, Sankaran Murugesan, Yon Sun Sohn, Ryan Pando, Winn Wilson, Bratindranath Mukerjee, and Vance Jaeger. The Subramanian group would like to acknowledge DOE and NSF for the funding that led to the completion of this work. The Dey group acknowledges the assistance of and availability of commercial-scale processing tools in Praxair Electronics (Pheonix, AZ) for the timely completion of Tara Collins’ honors thesis on “Next Generation of Anodic Coatings” and support of the electron microscopy center at Arizona State University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, 89557, USA

    Vaidyanathan Ravi Subramanian, Swagatom Sarker, Bowen Yu & Archana Kar

  2. Materials Science and Engineering Program, SEMTE, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287, USA

    Xiaodi Sun & Sandwip K. Dey

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  1. Vaidyanathan Ravi Subramanian
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  2. Swagatom Sarker
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Correspondence to Vaidyanathan Ravi Subramanian.

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Subramanian, V.R., Sarker, S., Yu, B. et al. TiO2 nanotubes and its composites: Photocatalytic and other photo-driven applications. Journal of Materials Research 28, 280–293 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1557/jmr.2012.392

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1557/jmr.2012.392

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