Formation and photoelectrochemical properties of TiO2 nanotube arrays in fluorinated organic electrolyte

S. Ismail; Z. Lockman; T.W. Kian

doi:10.15282/jmes.11.4.2017.15.0281

Authors

S. Ismail Carbon Research Technology Group, Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, 76100 Durian Tunggal, Malacca, Malaysia
Z. Lockman Green Electronic Nanomaterials Group, School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia
T.W. Kian 1-1 Hibarigaoka, Tempaku-cho, Toyohasyi-shi, Aichi, Japan 441-8580

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15282/jmes.11.4.2017.15.0281

Keywords:

Anodisation; glycerol; TiO2 nanotubes.

Abstract

Titanium oxide (TiO₂) nanotubes (TNTs) have been successfully formed by anodisation of pure Titanium (Ti) foil in an electrolyte consisting of 85 % glycerol with varying amount of NH₄F. Organic electrolyte was used to produce longer nanotubes with higher energy conversion efficiencies during photoelectrochemical. The effect of NH₄F and time for TNTs formation during anodisation was studied. The optimised amount of NH₄F was 0.7 g and anodisation time required for a complete dissolution was more than 15 min. This condition will produce adequate surface etching and inwards growth to occur. The comparison of photocurrent density between irregular and well organised TNTs was investigated. Photocurrent density enhancement was also observed. TNTs photocurrent density was 60% higher as compared to nanoporous TiO₂. The photoelectrochemical response of the TNTs photoelectrode was studied by using 1 M KOH solution under Xe lamp illumination.

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