Linen fiber template-assisted preparation of TiO2 nanotubes: palladium nanoparticle coating and electrochemical applications

TiO₂ nanotubes were fabricated from TiF₄ precursors within the pore channels of the linen fiber templates, resulting in crystalline fabricated titanate nanotubes (f-TNTs) upon removal by calcination at 500–600 °C. The f-TNTs were formed by the aggregation of TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) with a diameter of 80 nm; the wall thickness and size of the f-TNTs can be controlled by adjusting the concentration of the TiF₄ precursor, time, temperature, and the size of the linen fibers respectively. After that, palladium (Pd⁽⁰⁾) NPs were coated on the surface of the f-TNTs (Pd/f-TNTs) by the chemical reduction method, using NaBH₄ as a reducing agent. The size of the Pd⁽⁰⁾ NPs is about 10–13 nm. The Pd/f-TNT nanocomposite is systematically characterized by X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The Pd/f-TNT nanocomposite-modified glassy carbon electrodes exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity as well as amperometric determination of hydrazine, ascorbic acid, and dopamine; these electrochemical applications were carried out by cyclic voltammetry.