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.     

Efficient preparation of nanocrystalline anatase TiO2 and V/TiO2 thin layers using microwave drying and/or microwave calcination technique

This study has demonstrated that the synthesis of TiO₂ and V/TiO₂ thin layers may be significantly improved and extended if microwave energy is employed during the drying and/or calcination step. Thin nanoparticulate titania layers were prepared via the sol-gel method using titanium n-butoxide as a precursor. As prepared films were then analyzed by means of various characterization techniques (Raman spectroscopy, UV/Vis, AFM, XPS) in order to determine their functional properties. The photocatalytic activities of prepared layers were quantified by the decoloring rate of Rhodamine B. All thermal treatments in microwave field were done in the same manner, by using an IR pyrometer in the microwave oven and monitoring the temperature of the heating. Nevertheless the microwave and thermally prepared materials were different. This in turn may lead to differences in their functional and also photocatalytic properties.     

铋掺杂二氧化钛纳米颗粒的制备及其可见光催化性能

采用水热法,以纳米管钛酸为前驱物制备了Bi掺杂的TiO₂,并利用X射线衍射、透射电子显微镜、X射线光电子能谱、紫外-可见漫反射光谱等手段对样品进行了表征. 以甲基橙的光催化降解为模型反应评价了样品的可见光催化性能. 结果表明,Bi离子并没有进入TiO₂的晶格中,而是以BiOCl的形式存在. 所制得的BiOCl/TiO₂复合物对甲基橙降解表现出较优越的可见光催化活性;当Bi/Ti摩尔比为1%,水热温度为130℃时,所制催化剂的光催化性能最佳,并对光催化活性提高的机理进行了讨论. 同时,该催化剂对4-氯苯酚降解也表现出较高的光催化性能.     

Formation Mechanistism Study of TiO2 Film Comprising Nanotubes and Nanoparticles

A novel titanium dioxide (TiO₂) film comprising both nanotubes and nanopaticles was fab-ricated by an anodization process of the modified titanium. The local electric field at the anodized surface was simulated and its influence on the morphology of the TiO₂ film was discussed. The results show that the electric field strength is enhanced by the covering. The growth rate of TiO₂ increases with the assist of the local electric field. However, TiO₂ dis-solution is hindered since the local electric field prevents [TiF₆]^6- from diffusing. It means that the balance condition for the formation of nanotubes is broken, and TiO₂ nanoparticles are formed. Moreover, the crystal structure of the TiO₂ film was confirmed using X-ray diffraction and Raman analysis. The anatase is a main phase for the proposed film.     

Surface chemistry and optical property of TiO2 thin films treated by low-pressure plasma

The low temperature RF plasma treatment was used to control the surface chemistry and optical property of TiO₂ thin films deposited by RF magnetron sputtering with a very good uniformity at 300 °C substrate heating temperature. The XRD pattern indicates the crystalline structure of the film could be associated to amorphous structure of TiO₂ in thin film. The plasma treatment of TiO₂ film can increase the proportion of Ti³⁺ in Ti2p and decrease in carbon atoms as alcohol/ether group in C1s at the surface. The optical transmittance of the film was enhanced by 50% after the plasma treatment. The surface structure and morphology remain the same for untreated and low-pressure plasma-treated films. Therefore, increase in the optical transmission could be due to change in surface chemistry and surface cleaning by plasma treatment.     

TiCl4溶胶凝胶法制备TiO2纳米粉体

利用TiCl4的乙醇溶液作为前驱体 ,运用溶胶凝胶法制备了TiO2 纳米粉体 .研究结果表明 ,在TiCl4与乙醇混合成溶液的过程中 ,TiCl4即与乙醇及乙醇中的微量水发生醇解和部分水解脱氯反应形成钛酸酯 .在随后的成胶化过程中 ,则主要是钛酸酯吸收气氛中的水气 ,脱去乙醇基形成Ti-OH键并发生缩脱水聚合形成无机聚合物溶胶 .增加成胶化时间 ,可以促进乙醇基的脱去和无机聚合物的形成 ,促进锐钛矿TiO2 纳米颗粒的形成     

TiO2晶相对MnOx/TiO2催化剂催化NO氧化性能的影响

以浸渍在不同晶相TiO₂ （金红石型（R）、锐钛矿型（A）和P25型（P））上的锰基催化剂为对象,研究了TiO₂晶相对MnO_x/TiO₂催化剂催化NO氧化活性的影响。 结果表明,MnO_x/TiO₂（P）催化剂活性最高,NO转化率在300℃及GHSV = 20000 h^-1条件下可达83%。 各催化剂活性顺序为MnO_x/TiO₂（P）>MnO_x/TiO₂（A）>MnO_x/TiO₂（R）。采用X射线粉末衍射、场发射扫描电子显微镜、X射线光电子能谱、H₂程序升温还原和O₂程序升温脱附等手段研究了TiO₂晶相影响MnO_x/TiO₂催化剂催化活性的作用机理。结果表明,相比于A和R型TiO₂,P型TiO₂能够增加MnO_x在其表面的分散度并抑制催化剂颗粒的团聚和粘连,且更有利于Mn₂O₃的生成,而后者催化NO氧化活性比其它MnO_x更高;此外,P型TiO₂可以增加MnO_x尤其是Mn₂O₃的还原性,并可促进O₂^-从M³⁺-O键的脱附。     

Preparation and characterization of Zr doped TiO2 nanotube arrays on the titanium sheet and their enhanced photocatalytic activity

This paper described a new method for the preparation of Zr doped TiO₂ nanotube arrays by electrochemical method. TiO₂ nanotube arrays were prepared by anodization with titanium anode and platinum cathode. Afterwards, the formed TiO₂ nanotube arrays and Pt were used as cathode and anode, respectively, for preparation of Zr/TiO₂ nanotube arrays in the electrolyte of 0.1 M Zr(NO₃)₄ with different voltage and post-calcination process. The nanotube arrays were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and UV-Vis diffusion reflection spectra (DRS). The photocatalytic activities of these nanotubes were investigated with Rhodamine B as the model pollutant and the results demonstrated that the photocatalytic efficiency of Zr doped TiO₂ nanotubes was much better than that of TiO₂ nanotubes under UV irradiation. Zr/TiO₂ nanotube arrays doped at 7 V and calcined at 600 °C (denoted as TiO₂-7 V-600) achieved the best photocatalytic efficiency and the most optimal doping ratio was 0.047 (Zr/Ti). TiO₂-7 V-600 could be reused for more than 20 times and maintained good photocatalytic activities.     

Recent advances in heterogeneous TiO2 photocatalysis

Current progress in the area of photocatalysis is presented, particularly regarding technological applications. Highly efficient TiO₂ films on different substrates such as tile and glass have been developed for indoor environmental clean-up. TiO₂ films coated on SiO₂-precoated soda lime glass showed about 80% transparency and high photocatalytic activity towards the decomposition of thin oil films. A novel phenomenon, superhydrophilicity, has been observed on these transparent TiO₂ coatings. In addition, we have made use of a microelectrode system to monitor oxidation and reduction products separately. The mechanistic and kinetic aspects of TiO₂ photocatalysis are discussed.     

XPS study of the state of iridium, platinum, titanium and oxygen in thermally formed IrO2+TiO2+PtOX films

Electrodes of nominal composition Ir_0.3Ti_(0.7−x)Pt_xO₂ (x=0; 0.4 and 0.7) have been prepared by thermal decomposition of mixtures of the chloride precursors. H₂PtCl₆ was used as Pt-precursor. A systematic study of the chemical composition and oxidation states of the elements of these electrodes was performed by XPS. XPS analysis showed that the surface of the PtO_x-containing coatings are Pt enriched. Additionally, XPS revealed that the Ir signals are almost absent from the spectra of PtO_x-containing electrodes, while the Ti signal is completely absent. On the basis of the XPS results it is possible to propose a model of the surface structure of these electrodes: the grains, composed almost exclusively of Ir+Pt, are Pt enriched and distributed in a matrix, which although having Ti in its composition, besides Ir and Pt, is also Pt enriched. This finding corroborates the electrochemical behaviour of these electrodes, which is characteristic of polycrystalline Pt.     

Highly ordered nanoporous TiO2 and its photocatalytic properties

Hexagonally packed nanoporous TiO₂ has been developed by a self-templating electrochemical anodization method on titanium foil. The template is made by a two-step anodization process, where highly ordered hexagonally packed dimples are formed on titanium surface through self-organization. The template is then subjected to a third anodization process with a fast voltage ramp rate, from which a highly ordered porous structure is obtained. Such a material with an ordered structure shows enhanced photocatalytic activity as compared to titania nanotube.     

Electrochromic properties of anodically grown mixed V2O5–TiO2 nanotubes

Mixed V₂O₅–TiO₂ nanotube arrays were fabricated by self-organizing anodization of different Ti–V alloys. The mixed oxide nanotubes show switchable V-oxidation states and strong cathodic coloration. Already a low V content of ≈ 0.2 at.% significantly increases the electrochromic switching properties. Using a sample with 3 at.% V, very high electrochromic contrast can be established and a significantly lower switching onset voltage than for pure TiO₂ nanotubes is observed. At high V contents, although charge storage is increased, the improvement of contrast is diminished due to the strong background color of the sample.     

采用溶胶-凝胶-溶剂热路径合成H3PW12O40/TiO2和H4SiW12O40/TiO2 及其光催化降解二硝基甲苯

以非离子表面活性剂P123为结构导向剂,采用溶胶-凝胶与溶解热相结合方法,制备了两类介孔材料H₃PW₁₂O₄₀/TiO₂和H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀/TiO₂,并对其进行了表征.?X射线粉末衍射和拉曼光谱分析表明,所制催化剂为锐钛矿晶型,体系中H₃PW₁₂O₄₀和H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀的Keggin结构经400?℃焙烧后仍保持完整.?H₃PW₁₂O₄₀/TiO₂和H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀/TiO₂的平均粒径分别为15.49和7.75?nm.?N₂吸附-脱附和扫描电镜结果表明,P123的加入使催化剂的粒径减小,比表面积和孔体积明显增大,其中H₃PW₁₂O₄₀/TiO₂和H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀/TiO₂的比表面积分别高达252.2和250.0?m²/g.?紫外漫反射吸收光谱表明,与纯TiO₂相比,复合催化剂的吸收光谱发生了明显的红移,且吸收强度明显增大.?催化剂对DNT降解实验表明,在最佳操作条件下降解率可高达95%.?     

Large-surface mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles: Synthesis, growth and photocatalytic performance

This study demonstrates a facile and effective method to generate mono-dispersed titanium dioxide spheres at ambient conditions. The size of the colloids can be controlled from 60 to 500 nm by optimizing experimental parameters (e.g., concentration, time, and temperature). Anatase TiO₂ can be obtained through titanium glycolate colloids generated in acetone via two ways: water boiling approach and calcination at a high temperature of 500 °C. Particle characteristics (shape, size, and size distribution) were measured by advanced techniques, including transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), UV/Vis absorption spectrum, nitrogen gas adsorption and desorption isotherms Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area measurement, and X-ray diffraction technique (XRD). The possible mechanism of nucleation and growth of such colloids was discussed. The role of acetone in the formation and growth of titanium glycolate colloids was also investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Finally, the photocatalysis performance of such anatase TiO₂ particles was tested and proved to be efficient in degradation of organic dyes (e.g., phenolphthalein and methly orange).     

基于铝离子掺杂二氧化钛薄膜的染料敏化太阳能电池的光电性能

采用水热法制备出Al3+掺杂二氧化钛薄膜,通过玻璃棒涂于导电玻璃上,在450°C的温度下烧结并将其用N3染料敏化制成染料敏化太阳能电池(DSSCs).通过X射线光电子能谱(XPS)、X射线衍射(XRD)、扫描电镜(SEM)及DSSCs测试系统对其进行了测试表征,研究了Al3+掺杂对TiO2晶型及染料敏化太阳能电池的光电性能影响.XPS数据显示Al3+成功掺杂到了TiO2晶格内,由于Al3+的存在,对半导体内电子和空穴的捕获及阻止电子/空穴对的复合发挥重要作用.莫特-肖特基曲线显示掺杂Al3+后二氧化钛平带电位发生正移,并导致电子从染料注入到TiO2的驱动力提高.DSSCs系统测试结果表明,Al3+掺杂的TiO2薄膜光电效率达到6.48%,相对于无掺杂的纯二氧化钛薄膜光电效率(5.58%),其光电效率提高了16.1%,短路光电流密度从16.5mA·cm-2提高到18.2mA·cm-2.     

Chemical solution deposited silver tantalate niobate, Ag x (Ta0.5Nb0.5)O3? y , thin films on (111)Pt/Ti/SiO2/(100)Si substrates

Silver tantalate niobate films are candidates for temperature stable microwave dielectrics. In this work, a chemical solution deposition synthesis method was developed for Ag _x (Ta_0.5Nb_0.5)O_3−y films on Pt-coated Si substrates. Stable solutions with a range of silver stoichiometries were prepared using 2-methoxyethanol and pyridine as solvents, from AgNO₃ and Nb and Ta ethoxide precursors. It was extremely difficult to prepare phase-pure perovskite films of Ag(Ta_0.5Nb_0.5)O₃ on Pt-coated Si subtrates; instead a mixture of perovskite and natrotantite phases was identified. Such mixed phase films had dielectric constant ɛ _r and dielectric loss tanδ values ranging from 200±20 to 270±25 and 0.006±0.002 to 0.002±0.001 at 100 kHz, respectively, depending on the firing temperature. For Ag₂(Ta_0.5Nb_0.5)₄O₁₁, Ag_0.8(Ta_0.5Nb_0.5)O_2.9, Ag_0.85(Ta_0.5Nb_0.5)O_2.925 and Ag_0.9(Ta_0.5Nb_0.5)O_2.95 films, mainly the natrotantite phase was observed. The ɛ _r values of these films were between 70±10 and 130±15 with tan δ values of 0.008±0.002 at 100 kHz.     

Apatite-forming ability of titanium compound nanotube thin films formed on a titanium metal plate in a simulated body fluid

We compared the apatite-forming ability of a sodium titanate nanotube thin film, an anatase-type titanium dioxide nanotube thin film, and a silver nanoparticle/silver titanate nanotube nanocomposite thin film, in simulated body fluid. The ability of the silver nanoparticle/silver titanate nanotube nanocomposite thin film is slightly higher than that of the anatase-type titanium dioxide nanotube thin film and significantly higher than that of the sodium titanate nanotube thin film. The high ability of the silver nanoparticle/silver titanate nanotube nanocomposite thin film is a newly observed phenomenon, which is probably due to the crystal structure of silver titanate – specifically, to the surface atomic arrangement, the large amount of Ti–OH formed on the nanotube surface, or both. The anatase-type titanium dioxide nanotube thin film and the silver nanoparticle/silver titanate nanotube nanocomposite thin film may have bright prospects for future use in implant materials such as artificial joints. The silver nanoparticle/silver titanate nanotube nanocomposite thin film is particularly promising for its antibacterial properties.     

Direct Observation of Ethanol Photocatalysis on Rutile TiO2(110) Surface

Photocatalytic dissociation of ethanol molecules on the rutile TiO₂(110) surface after UV irradiation has been investigated by scanning tunneling microscope at 80 K. Most of the ethanol molecules adsorb molecularly at Ti sites, similar to the case of methanol. After UV irradiation, two different protrusions of products were observed, one of them has been identified by the technique of tip manipulation, which was likely composed of an acetaldehyde in the middle and two bridge-bonded hydroxyls on both neighbored oxygen sites. Multi-time irradiation experiments have also been performed to further understand the relationship between the two protrusions and the process of ethanol photocatalytic dissociation. These results provide detailed insights into the photocatalysis of ethanol on rutile TiO₂(110), which would help us to understand how phtotocatalytic reactions of ethnaol proceed at the fundamental level.     

Photocatalytic bleaching of p-nitrosodimethylaniline in TiO2 aqueous suspensions: A kinetic treatment involving some primary events photoinduced on the particle surface

The photocatalytic bleaching of p-nitrosodimethylaniline (P) has been investigated in aqueous suspensions of TiO₂. It was found that both charge carriers (hole and electron) were reactive to P to result in a bleaching. The roles of O₂ and several hole scavengers (HCOO⁻, EDTA, I⁻) have also been examined. A reaction mechanism has been proposed with consideration of several primary processes photoinduced on TiO₂ surface. The results of the kinetic analysis fit fairly well to those of the experiments. The rate constant (k^h_p) of the reaction between P and the adsorbed hydroxyl radical was estimated to be in the order 10¹⁰ M⁻¹ s⁻¹, which is in good agreement with that obtained from the homogeneous reaction of P with free OH radicals. Of particular interest is the pH dependence of the photobleaching rate. Around both pK_a of P and pH_ZPC of TiO₂, the photobleaching of P was steeply enhanced. This can be reasonably attributed to the mutual interaction (repulsion versus attraction) between P and TiO₂ particles in different pH ranges.     

柠檬酸对Ni2P/TiO2-Al2O3催化剂加氢脱硫性能的影响

采用溶胶-凝胶法制备了TiO2-Al2O3复合载体,以柠檬酸(CA)为络合剂采用浸渍法制备了Ni2P负载的TiO2-Al2O3复合载体催化剂,并用X射线衍射(XRD)、N2吸附比表面积测定、H2程序升温氢还原(H2-TPR)、程序升温氧化(TPO)、X射线光电子能谱(XPS)技术对催化剂的结构和性质进行了表征,考察了CA/Ni摩尔比对在Ni2P/TiO2-Al2O3催化剂上进行的二苯并噻吩(DBT)加氢脱硫(HDS)性能的影响.结果表明:适量的CA可以丰富催化剂的孔道,提高催化剂的比表面积.当n(CA)/n(Ni)=2:1时,催化剂的比表面积达到126.75m2·g-1,与不加CA时相比,提高了57.05m2·g-1.调节n(CA)/n(Ni)能够改善活性相的分布,改变活性相的种类;引入CA使Ni和P前驱体的还原温度明显降低,促进活性相Ni2P的生成,一定程度上能够抑制催化剂表面炭的形成和沉积,提高其稳定性.n(CA)/n(Ni)=2:1时,催化剂具有最好的加氢脱硫活性,在360°C,3.0MPa,氢油比为500(V/V),液时体积空速为2.0h-1的条件下,二苯并噻吩转化率为99.5%,可将模拟油中硫含量由2%(w)降低到0.01%(w).