Enhanced photocatalytic ethylene decomposition with anatase-rutile mixed nanostructures formed by He plasma treatment

Abstract

In order to realize high-performance titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysts for ethylene decomposition, titanium (Ti) thin film samples with fiberform nanostructures were prepared by helium (He) plasma treatment. Then, the oxidation condition for ethylene decomposition were optimized in terms of the oxidation temperature and duration. It is shown that He plasma irradiation with Ti deposition followed by oxidation in the air formed anatase-rich TiO2. The rutile anatase transition temperature increased to higher than 1000 K on the He treated samples and the best photocatalytic performance is twice higher than that on TiO2 sample formed in a magnetron sputtering device. Helium plasma treatment induces vacancies, He clusters, and He bubbles together with formation of nanostructures. The results suggested that those morphology changes lead to the formation of stable anatase structure, which is likely the key factor for the enhancement of photocatalytic activity. Based on the obtained ethylene decomposition rate, we will discuss the necessary light source and amount of photocatalysts to keep vegetables fresh in a long-distance transport cargo.