Effects of calcination temperature on microstructures and photocatalytic activity oftitanate nanotube films prepared by an EPD method

Abstract

Titanate nanotube films are fabricated on F-dopedSnO2-coated glass substrates via an electrophoretic deposition method using hydrothermallyprepared titanate nanotubes as precursors. The effects of calcination temperature on themicrostructures and photoactivity of as-prepared titanate nanotube films areinvestigated and discussed. The results indicate that the intercalated sodium ions(Na+) in the as-prepared titanate nanotubes are easily removed during the electrophoreticdeposition. The phase transformation of titanate to anatase and diffusion ofNa+ ions from glass substrates into films occur at400 °C. With increasing calcination temperature, the crystallization ofanatase enhances and sodium content in the films increases. At500 °C, the tubular structure still holds and the films show the highest photocatalytic activityprobably due to their good crystallization, large specific surface areas and tubularstructures.