Characterization of Pulse Anodized Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes

Abstract

TiO2 nanotubes with a highly ordered structure were grown by a self-organized electrochemical anodization in the viscous organic electrolyte. The alteration pulse anodization waveforms were applied. The applied potentials were between positive of 20 V 10 min and a reverse voltage of 0 V or -5 V 20 sec. The morphologies of samples were examined using a field emission scanning electron microscope and focused ion beam field emission scanning electron microscopes (FIB-FESEM). The crystalline structures of the TiO2 nanotubes were confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The UV–Vis diffuse reflection absorption were recorded by a UV–vis spectrometer. All TiO2 nanotube samples prepared by pulse anodization technique were anatase phase and responded to UV region. The best-defined TiO2 nanotube morphology was obtained from the anodization condition: 20 V 10 min/-5 V 20 sec for 1 h. The thickness of the oxide layer increased with the increasing anodization time. All eight TiO2 nanotube samples responded to the light in the wavelength ranging from 190-360 nm which was UV region indicated the good photocatalytic property of these materials. Properties of anodized titanium dioxide nanotube from this work can be the useful indicators for the responsiveness of ultraviolet light which enhances the good property in photocatalytic process.