Effect of Concentration and Voltage on The Growth Formation of TiO2 Nanotubes

Abstract

Every year, due to inadequate practice of some manufacturers, many harmful dyes are released into the water stream. Photocatalysis is the most preferred technique to remove these dyes, while TiO₂ is one of the most regarded materials for the photocatalyst. There are several methods to fabricate Ti to TiO₂. The fabrication methods are mostly nanoparticle-based fabrications such as CVD, sol-gel, and hydrothermal. However, the nanoparticles tend to agglomerate with each other. As a result, this phenomenon lowers photocatalytic performance of TiO₂. Therefore, this research will use the anodization method to produce structures with less tendency to agglomerate, like nanotubes. The principle of anodizing is to use electricity to create a thin layer of oxide on the surface of a metal part, then the F^- ions will etched it to form pits before growing into nanotubular structure. Anodization parameter, applied voltage, and concentration are chosen as they directly influenced the morphology of the TiO₂. Applied voltage affects NTs diameter meanwhile, concentration affects NTs arrangement.