Abstract
TiO2-coated boron particles were prepared by a wet ball milling method, with the particle size distribution and average particle size being easily controlled by varying the milling operation time. Based on the results from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, it was confirmed that the initial oxide layer on the boron particles surface was removed by the wet milling process, and that a new B–O–Ti bond was formed on the boron surface. The uniform TiO2 layer on the 150 nm boron particles was estimated to be 10 nm thick. Based on linear sweep voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, current-time amperometry, and electrochemical impedance analyses, the potential for the application of TiO2-coated boron particles as a photoelectrochemical catalyst was demonstrated. A current of 250 μA was obtained at a potential of 0.5 V for hydrogen evolution, with an onset potential near to 0.0 V. Finally, a current of 220 μA was obtained at a potential of 1.0 V for oxygen evolution.
Highlights
Boron has been employed as an energetic material for ramjet solid additives and for solid propellants of ducted rockets because of its exceptionally high combustion enthalpy per unit volume [1,2,3]
We investigated the physicochemical properties of the TiO2 -coated boron particles using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nanoparticle size analysis (NPSA), X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR)
We have described the development of a novel method to produce TiO2 -coated boron particles via a wet ball milling process
Summary
Boron has been employed as an energetic material for ramjet solid additives and for solid propellants of ducted rockets because of its exceptionally high combustion enthalpy per unit volume [1,2,3]. The catalytic activity of alumina-boria catalysts supported on porous or non-porous alumina was shown to increase selectivity in the oxidation of ethane to ethylene; this was due to an increase in acidity upon the addition of boron oxide [7]. Shin and co-workers used boron particles as a CeO2 catalyst support material based on dry and wet ball milling methods, and subsequently examined the CO oxidation activity of the resulting particles. They found that boron-CeO2 hybrid materials showed enhanced catalytic activity compared with naked boron and CeO2 nanoparticles [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
