An Efficient Photocatalyst: Anodized TiO2 Nanotube Arrays Codoped with Gd–La

Abstract

Gd–La codoped TiO2 nanotube arrays with diameter of 80–100 nm were successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal method and ion exchange by using anodized titanium oxide as a base reagent. The photocatalytic efficiency of the Gd–La codoped TiO2 nanotube arrays evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of organic dye methyl orange (MO) has been significantly enhanced by twice in comparison to that of the undoped TiO2. Abundant oxygen vacancies and surface defects created by the substitution of Ti4+ for La3+ and Gd3+ in their lattices can accelerate electron trapping and dye adsorption, therefore speeding the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and accelerating the MO photodegradation. The results display the obtained Gd–La codoped TiO2 nanotube arrays will be acted as a very promising photocatalysts for enhancing the photocatalytic activity.