Abstract
Anodized titanium-oxide containing highly
ordered, vertically oriented TiO2 nanotube arrays is a
nanomaterial architecture that shows promise for diverse
applications. In this paper, an anodization synthesis using
HF-free aqueous solution is described. The anodized TiO2
film samples (amorphous, anatase, and rutile) on titanium
foils were characterized with scanning electron microscopy,
X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. Additional
characterization in terms of photocurrent generated by an
anode consisting of a titanium foil coated by TiO2 nanotubes
was performed using an electrochemical cell. A platinum
cathode was used in the electrochemical cell. Results were
analyzed in terms of the efficiency of the current generated,
defined as the ratio of the difference between the electrical
energy output and the electrical energy input divided by the
input radiation energy, with the goal of determining which
phase of TiO2 nanotubes leads to more efficient hydrogen
production. It was determined that the anatase crystalline
structure converts light into current more efficiently and is
therefore a better photocatalytic material for hydrogen production
via photoelectrochemical splitting of water.
