Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is known for its photocatalytic property particularly under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, but its photocatalytic activity can vary greatly depending on its crystalline phases and surface nanostructures. In this study, we report the preparation of �colorful� TiO2 nanostructural films and their photocatalytic responses as determined by direct photocurrent measurements at varying irradiation wavelengths as well as indirect photodegradation of an organic dye (methyl orange). These structured TiO2 films were fabricated through an anodization process in a mixture of dimethyl suloxide (DMSO) and HF electrolyte solution followed by annealing at different temperatures. Characterization of these films by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy reveals mainly rutile phase for the TiO2 film. The UV-VIS-NIR reflectance spectroscopic analyses indicate that the color changes result from light absorption at different wavelengths. The film annealed at 575�C shows the best photocurrent response under stimulated solar light. That is validated by the photo-degradation of methyl orange. To our knowledge, this is the first to demonstrate that a controlled fabrication and annealing process can be used to fabricate structured TiO2 films with varying light absorption characteristics and photocurrent response. The films, after photocatalytic activities characterization, show a promise to be used as catalysts for photocatalysis processes including water splitting, organic contaminant compounds degradation, solar cell applications, etc.

Controlled fabrication of nanostructured TiO<sub>2</sub> films with varying light absorption and photocatalytic characteristics

241st National Meeting (2011)

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Controlled fabrication of nanostructured TiO2 films with varying light absorption and photocatalytic characteristics

Controlled fabrication of nanostructured TiO₂ films with varying light absorption and photocatalytic characteristics