Electrochemically assisted photocatalysis on self-organized TiO2 nanotubes

In this work we investigate influence of an externally applied bias on the photocatalytic performance of self-organized TiO₂ nanotube layers. These layers were grown by anodization of titanium in fluoride containing electrolytes and have different geometric dimensions. Since the layers are grown directly on the Ti substrate, a very good electrical backside contact is directly provided. Therefore, we use the nanotube layers/Ti structures as photo-anodes for the UV light induced photocatalytic decomposition of acid orange 7. For comparison, we use TiO₂ nanopowder (Degussa P25) compacted also on a Ti sheet. The present results demonstrate that the photocatalytic activity of self-organized TiO₂ nanotube layers can significantly be increased by electrochemical bias.