Fabrication of TiO2 nanotube arrays of different dimension for photocatalytic decomposition of IPA in air streams

Abstract

TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNTs) were fabricated by anodization under various operational conditions. Dimensions of fabricated TNTs were significantly influenced by the temperature and water content of ethylene glycol-based electrolyte prepared for anodization. TNTs of longer length, larger inner diameter, and thinner wall thickness were fabricated in electrolytes of higher temperatures. For TNTs fabricated in electrolyte containing higher water contents, the relatively fast dissolution of TiO2 led to the formation of TNTs of shorter tube length and larger inner diameter. TNTs were fabricated under different anodization conditions (mainly the water content in ethylene glycol electrolyte and anodization time) to exhibit similar tube length and different inner diameters. Experiments conducted using TNTs of longer tube lengths and smaller inner diameters demonstrated higher photocatalytic decompositions of gaseous isopropyl alcohol (IPA); however, the photocatalytic application of TNTs is limited by the penetration of illumination.