Modified TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNTAs): progressive strategies towards visible light responsive photoanode, a review

Ahmed El Ruby Mohamed; Sohrab Rohani

doi:10.1039/C0EE00488J

Modified TiO₂nanotube arrays (TNTAs): progressive strategies towards visible light responsive photoanode, a review

Ahmed El Ruby Mohamed*^ab and Sohrab Rohani*^a

* Corresponding authors

^a Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Department, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
E-mail: srohani@uwo.ca

^b Electronic and Magnetic Materials Division, Advanced Materials Department, Central Metallurgical Research and Development Institute (CMRDI), P.O. Box 87, Helwan, Cairo, Egypt
E-mail: aelruby10@yahoo.com

Abstract

Since first introduced by Zwilling and co-workers in 1999, titania nanotube arrays (TNTAs) fabricated by simple electrochemical anodization method have attracted great interest due to their outstanding photoelectrochemical properties which render them the most promising candidate for many solar energy harvesting applications. In this contribution, the fabrication, properties, and applications of TiO₂ nanotube arrays have been reviewed, with special focus on synthesis by anodization in fluoride-containing electrolytes. The effect of anodization process parameters such as electric potential, pH, anodization duration and electrolyte composition on the size, and morphology of TNTAs has been discussed in detail. Electronic property modification strategies of the wide band gap TNTAs to enhance the material responsiveness to visible light irradiation have also been reviewed. Modification strategies include nonmetal doping such as nitrogen, carbon, boron and sulfur; metal ion doping such as Fe, Zn, Zr and Cr; surface decoration with precious metal nanoparticles such as Pt, Ag, Au; and sensitization with CdS nanoparticles.

Article information

https://doi.org/10.1039/C0EE00488J

Article type

Review Article

Submitted

27 Sep 2010

Accepted

18 Jan 2011

First published

17 Feb 2011

Download Citation

Energy Environ. Sci., 2011,4, 1065-1086

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Modified TiO₂ nanotube arrays (TNTAs): progressive strategies towards visible light responsive photoanode, a review

A. El Ruby Mohamed and S. Rohani, Energy Environ. Sci., 2011, 4, 1065 DOI: 10.1039/C0EE00488J

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Energy & Environmental Science